The State of North Carolina strives to be an employer of choice, including recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment. The State recognizes that time off to grieve following the loss of a loved one can alleviate some of the stress employees may experience during a difficult time in their lives. It can also help promote a productive workplace by ensuring employees have time off to recover from their loss.
Bereavement Leave:
The new Bereavement Leave policy provides 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave for eligible employees following the loss of an immediate family member. It also provides paid leave up to the amount of time required to travel to and from – and to attend – a funeral or other memorial event, not to exceed eight (8) hours, following the death of someone with whom an employee worked.
In order to recognize employees who may have suffered loss of an immediate family member or colleague as a result of Hurricane Helene, Bereavement Leave for loss of an Immediate Family Member that occurred between September 27 and October 31, 2024 may be retroactively applied to dates the employee was absent, up to 40 hours, due to loss of an immediate family member, at the employee’s request. Any leave for which the employee is eligible that is not retroactively applied must be used within 180 days of the date of death. Bereavement Leave for loss of a colleague that occurred between September 27 and October 31, 2024, may be retroactively applied to the time the employee was absent for travel and attendance at the funeral or other memorial event.
For more information, please review the Bereavement Leave Policy.