Work & bereavement leave
Your rights, and what to say.
For many people, going back to work after a death is one of the most disorienting parts of grief. The world keeps its schedule while yours has stopped. Here is what you're entitled to, and some ways to make the re-entry less brutal.
Your legal entitlements
Under the Fair Work Act, all Australian employees (full-time, part-time, and casual) are entitled to compassionate leave:
Fair Work Ombudsman
Bereavement leave entitlements and workplace rights
- Permanent employees — 2 days paid compassionate leave per occasion (death or life-threatening illness of an immediate family or household member)
- Casual employees — 2 days unpaid compassionate leave per occasion
- Many enterprise agreements and company policies offer more — check yours
- Some employers offer additional paid bereavement leave beyond the legal minimum
For most people, two days is not enough. If you need more, ask about annual leave, personal leave, long service leave, or unpaid leave. Many employers will work with you if you ask.
What to say to your employer
You don't have to explain everything. A simple message is enough:
You can send this by email or text if a phone call feels like too much:
“Hi [manager], I'm writing to let you know that [name/relationship] has died.”
“I will need some time away from work. I'll be in touch about returning by [date, even a rough one].”
“Could you please let the team know — I'm not up to telling everyone individually right now.”
Tap to select.
Returning to work
- If you can, start with half-days or reduced hours
- Ask for a phased return — many employers will agree if you ask
- Tell one trusted colleague what you need (space, or company, or just normality)
- Grief waves at work are common — if it helps, keep a private space you can step into
- It's okay to cry at your desk. It's also okay to be fine at work and fall apart at home.
If you are self-employed or a carer
Self-employed people and unpaid carers have no statutory bereavement leave. This is one of the hardest gaps in Australian law. If you need financial support during bereavement, check whether you're eligible for a bereavement period extension of existing payments, Carer Allowance continuation, or a Services Australia crisis payment.
See all 64 guides in Grief & healing →
From bluetulipco.com/library/grief/work-bereavement — printed 1 October 2026.
General information only — not a substitute for legal, medical, financial, or therapeutic advice. Read the full disclaimer.
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