Losing a close loved one can be one of life‘s most difficult experiences. The grief, emotional turmoil, and funeral responsibilities seem endless. The last thing anyone needs is to worry about work and risk losing a paycheck during such a painful time.
Walmart, America‘s largest employer with over 1.5 million associates nationwide, provides a bereavement leave policy to support employees in their time of need. But how does it work exactly?
As an employee advocate, I want to share insider guidance to help you understand the details of Walmart‘s bereavement policy. My goal is to relieve some of the stress by answering the most common questions employees have about this program.
Here is everything you need to know about taking time off for the death of a loved one and still getting paid.
Who Counts as "Immediate Family" Under the Policy?
Walmart defines "immediate family members" as people related to you by blood, adoption, marriage, domestic partnership, or civil union. This includes:
- Your spouse
- Your children
- Your parents
- Your siblings
- Your grandparents
- Your grandchildren
Step-relatives like step-parents and step-children are also included.
In addition, some stores extend the meaning of "immediate family" to include individuals you may live with, like an unmarried partner, roommate, or close friend.
The key point is that "immediate family" covers the closest relatives and loved ones – not necessarily just people to whom you are legally and biologically related.
How Much Paid Time Off is Allowed?
The Walmart bereavement policy provides up to 3 paid days off from work in the event of an immediate family member‘s death. This time allowance is fairly standard – for comparison:
- Target also offers 3 paid bereavement days
- Amazon provides up to 3 days paid leave
- UPS provides up to 3 days paid time off
For Walmart associates, the 3 bereavement days do not have to be taken consecutively. You can separate them as needed for things like making initial arrangements, attending a funeral service, sitting Shiva, or grieving.
Your manager may approve additional unpaid time off if more than 3 days are required. For example, they could grant you 5 days total, with 3 paid and 2 unpaid.
Does Bereavement Leave Need to Be Approved in Advance?
Walmart realizes that in many cases, bereavement leave cannot be requested in advance. There‘s no way to anticipate a sudden loss.
Therefore, associates can use the call-out line per normal procedures to report absences due to the death of an immediate family member. No prior authorization is needed.
You should notify your manager as soon as realistically possible and let them know how long you expect to be out. But again, you will not face disciplinary action for calling out due to an approved bereavement situation.
What Documentation Does Walmart Require for Bereavement Leave?
The company understands that associates dealing with grief should not have the extra burden of acquiring documentation.
So for standard bereavement leave of 3 days or less, Walmart does not require proof or verification of the family member‘s death.
However, if you need to take an extended unpaid Leave of Absence for more than 3 weeks, you may have to provide documentation like a death certificate.
But for the initial bereavement period, notify your manager without worrying about paperwork. You can focus on your family during this difficult time.
Can I Take Bereavement Leave if I‘m a Part-Time or Temporary Associate?
All regular full-time and part-time employees qualify for paid bereavement leave under Walmart‘s policy.
But temporary or seasonal associates may not qualify, so check with your manager.
For example, an employee hired just for the holidays may not receive paid bereavement leave but could potentially take time off without pay.
What Should I Do If My Manager Denies My Bereavement Request?
Hopefully this does not happen, but if your manager refuses a bereavement leave request that should be authorized, you have options:
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Speak with your store manager or another member of management to explain the situation – they may overturn the decision.
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Contact your market HR manager to clarify the policy and your rights.
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Call the Walmart Ethics Hotline at 1-800-963-8442 for guidance. You can report compliance issues anonymously without fear of retaliation.
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If your store is part of UFCW (the food workers‘ union), file a grievance with your union representation.
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Document all communication and be persistent – you deserve this time with your family.
Can I Take Bereavement Leave for Pregnancy Loss or Death of a Baby?
While an unborn child does not meet the technical definition of "immediate family member", Walmart policy instructs managers to be flexible and sympathetic in these tragic cases of miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death.
Many associates in this awful situation have been granted paid or unpaid leave exactly as if they had lost an immediate relative. Open and honest communication with management is key here.
What Are Some Tips for Getting Paid Bereavement Leave Approved?
To ensure your bereavement leave request gets approved appropriately:
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Notify management right away, clearly stating your relationship to the deceased. For example, say "I need to take bereavement leave because my sister passed away unexpectedly".
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Mention how long you expect to be absent – "I will need 3 days off for bereavement leave to make funeral arrangements and attend services".
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Be willing to provide some type of documentation later if asked. For instance, "Let me know if you need me to bring in the obituary when I return as documentation".
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Express appreciation for the time off. Say something like "Thank you for approving my bereavement request during this incredibly difficult time – I appreciate Walmart‘s support."
What Benefits Do Salaried Management Get for Bereavement Leave?
Salaried managers also qualify for paid time off due to the death of an immediate family member. In some cases, they may get a full week off with pay for bereavement instead of the 3 days provided to hourly staff.
The additional flexibility makes sense since salaried roles have no set schedule. Check with your manager for details.
Can I Split Up My 3 Days of Bereavement Leave into Multiple Smaller Segments?
Walmart understands that grief comes in waves, so the allotted bereavement days do not have to be consecutive.
You can break up the time as needed – for example:
- Take 1 day off immediately after the death to begin handling arrangements
- Work your next couple of scheduled shifts as normal
- Take 2 days off later in the week to travel for funeral services
Communicate your planned schedule with your manager and get their approval. They may allow even more flexibility at their discretion.
What If I Have Used Up My PTO – Can I Still Get Paid Bereavement Leave?
Yes. Bereavement leave is a separate category from PTO. Even if you have 0 PTO hours, you can still receive paid bereavement when approved.
Bereavement pay will be based on the average hours you would have worked over the days you take off. You get paid as if you had worked your regular schedule.
If more unpaid time off is needed beyond the 3 days, that‘s when you‘d need available PTO to get paid during the extended absence.
Can Management Require Me to Make Up Missed Shifts Due to Bereavement Leave?
No. Bereavement leave is considered an authorized absence from work. Missed shifts will not be held against you or require make-up time.
Some unethical managers may try to guilt associates into coming back early or working extra shifts after using bereavement leave. This type of coercion violates corporate policy – you should contact HR immediately if pressured this way.
Where Can I Learn More About Taking a Longer Leave of Absence for Bereavement?
If more than 3 days away from work are required for grieving and settling family affairs, Walmart associates can request a Leave of Absence.
These extended leaves of absence allow up to 12 weeks off and can be taken intermittently.
Bereavement is one qualifying reason for a Leave of Absence. The time off goes through Walmart‘s third party administrator Sedgwick.
I recommend talking with your manager for complete details on the Leave of Absence process, requirements, and eligibility.
Does Walmart Provide Bereavement Counseling Services?
Yes. All associates and household family members can access Resources for Living, Walmart‘s free counseling and support program.
Contact Resources for Living 24/7 to speak with a grief counselor, get funeral assistance, receive financial guidance, or just talk through your loss.
Call 1-800-825-3555 or visit the Resources for Living website for bereavement resources. This confidential hotline is a great benefit Walmart provides.
What Are Some Compassionate Ways Managers Can Administer Bereavement Leave?
The simplest way managers can help grieving staff is through presence, sincerity, and flexibility:
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Be sensitive when the associate informs you of the loss – "I‘m so sorry to hear that. Please let me know how I can help."
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Offer paid time and/or unpaid time as needed – "Take all the time you need. We‘ll cover your shifts until you return."
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Make it easy for them – "You focus on your family. Don‘t even worry about documentation right now. I‘ll handle the leave request paperwork."
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Express care and concern – "My deepest condolences again. Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help you through this difficult period."
Conclusion: How Walmart‘s Bereavement Policy Supports Associates
Losing a loved one is a devastating life event. Walmart aims to relieve some of the stress during the mourning period by providing paid bereavement leave for immediate family members.
Associates can receive up to 3 days of bereavement pay and secure additional time off through Leave of Absence if required. Bereavement leave can be taken intermittently and does not require prior notice or documentation in most cases.
Walmart also offers compassion and flexibility at managers‘ discretion during this sensitive time. Associates should feel empowered to communicate transparently with management to get the bereavement support they need.
I hope this guide clarifies the details of Walmart‘s bereavement policy and ensures associates get access to entitled benefits. Please reach out if I can assist with securing approved time off to grieve and care for your family. You should feel comfortable being open about your loss, knowing the company intends to provide you support and care.
