How to speak to my boss

[NotHereToMakeFriends]

Hi everyone,

I'm here because my Grandma died on Friday and I'm just coming to terms with the loss. She died early in the morning and it was a blessing in the long run. I managed to convince my boss to let me work from home on Friday as I didn't feel like being in the office but I have a meeting with him tomorrow regarding the funeral but I don't know how to approach it. We don't get sick pay and I have no more annual leave left to use. Could someone help me on how to approach the subject with him?

Firstly sorry for your loss- you have a lot to deal with( I noticed the other thread regarding your mum).

Could you ask for unpaid leave? Hopefully your boss will be understanding given it’s close relative.

Thank you @Orchidflower1. I'm going to find out what the protocol is whether it is unpaid leave or wfh.

My boss probably doesn't know what to do as it's never happened within the company before (we're a small company of 6)

Sorry for your loss.

Set out what you need and ask if it's possible rather than asking him what he can offer.

Eg

"Hi Fred, I'm devastated about the loss of my grandmother, we were very close and it came as a shock. Her funeral is on Wednesday and obviously I'd like to be there, so will need the day off. I'm currently feeling very fragile and whilst I'm able to work, doing do from home until funeral would help. I don't want to embarrass myself or anyone else by being tearful in office. Would that be acceptable to you? I'd be back in work as usual on Thursday"

It's quite hard for someone to say no in those circumstances and the request is in no way unreasonable.

I’m sorry about your Grandma.

Most companies offer compassionate leave for funerals for close family members (Grandma counts as close family). Whether it’s paid or not depends on the company.

I’m certain your boss will be understanding.

Sorry for your loss OP. It would be compassionate leave at my company. Usually paid if it's just a day or two but at their discretion.

Hi all,

Thank you all for your condolences and I spoke to my boss this morning and he was really kind about it. I basically told him when the funeral was and what arrangements would I need to make due to it being on a workday and they just told me that I could have the day off and any additional time I might need to mourn her loss.

I was surprised by his answer but he mentioned that it had happened to him 2 years ago and he had to have time to mourn the loss and his previous company were compassionate about it.

That's relieved one stress from me during this sad time.

Thanks again.