Walmart Bereavement Policy – Overview & Guide

The Walmart bereavement policy is an essential support system for employees during grief. Like other bereavement policies, this policy provides guidelines to employees when they face the unfortunate event of losing a family member or a close relative.

In such difficult times, understanding the company’s bereavement policy can offer some relief for employees as they navigate their personal losses.

At Walmart, employees are entitled to up to three days of bereavement leave to attend to their obligations during mourning. During this leave, staff members are usually compensated for their time away from work.

By offering this policy, Walmart demonstrates its commitment to supporting employees’ well-being and work-life balance.

In some cases, managers at Walmart may also grant bereavement leave for the passing of other relatives or loved ones, not just immediate family members.

Eligibility for Bereavement Leave

When it comes to bereavement policies, there are eligibility requirements that an associate must meet. Let’s first talk about that, then address qualifying family members.

Employee Types Eligible

Walmart’s bereavement policy offers certain employees access to paid time off in the event of a loved one’s passing. This benefit extends to full-time, part-time, and salaried Walmart associates. To be eligible for this policy, staff members should communicate with their managers or HR departments about their circumstances.

Qualifying Family Members

In cases where an immediate family member has passed away, Walmart allows employees to take up to three days of bereavement leave. Immediate family members typically include parents, siblings, children, and spouses.

In some instances, managers may also grant bereavement leave for the loss of other relatives or loved ones, but that is discretionary.

To utilize their bereavement leave, eligible employees should submit a leave of absence request detailing their relationship to the deceased and the dates for the leave. The policy stipulates that employees will receive their regular pay rate for their bereavement leave.

Bereavement Pay And Compensation

During this period of bereavement leave, employees receive compensation for their time away from work. The bereavement pay they receive ensures they can focus on grieving and attending to any necessary arrangements without worrying about financial strain. This policy aims to support employees during an emotionally challenging time.

Employees may sometimes require more than three days of paid time off. Walmart may grant a Personal Leave of Absence for an extended absence, depending on the specific circumstances surrounding the employee’s request.

Sometimes, that extension can go up to as many as 5 days. In general, pay is usually not affected, and it’s the standard hourly rate. However, depending on your relationship with store management, you may be allowed to use some of your PTO or a combination of coverage as well if you need more time.

How to Request Bereavement Leave

A good bereavement policy has a good structure in place when it comes to notifying the store, and getting everything scheduled.

Contacting Walmart

To request bereavement leave at Walmart, you should contact your HR representative or faculty manager as soon as possible after learning of the death.

Inform them about your situation and the need for leave, providing the necessary details such as your Walmart Identification Number and personal contact information. This will allow the manager to make arrangements for coverage while you’re away.

Sedgwick Leave Management System

After speaking with your HR representative or faculty manager, you’ll need to submit your leave request through the Sedgwick Leave Management System. The platform, called my Sedgwick system, makes it easy to request and manage your leave online.

To do this:

1. Access my Sedgwick system and log in using your credentials.
2. Submit a leave request, providing the necessary details, such as leave dates and whether the leave will be continuous or intermittent.
3. Monitor your request’s status and updates through the system.

Alternatively, if you prefer to request your leave over the phone, you can contact Sedgwick at 800-492-5678.

Remember to be open with your employer about your situation and provide all required information to ensure a smooth process.

Additional Leave Options

Additional Support for Walmart Employees

While bereavement policies are nice, additional support is something most employers offer. Here are some things you can expect from Walmart.

Grief Counseling Services

The company may offer available grief counseling services to help individuals cope with their grief and mourning. Employees need to seek assistance and support during this time, as working through the grieving process and understanding the emotions they experience can be crucial for their overall well-being.

Employee Assistance Programs

In addition to grief counseling services, Walmart may also provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) designed to support employees during difficult times, including bereavement. EAPs can assist with various issues, such as financial burdens, and offer resources to help employees manage the challenges they may face when mourning the loss of a family member or close relative.

Supervisors sometimes grant a longer leave to help employees adjust and address their emotional and practical needs. Being flexible and understanding during this time is essential to foster a healthy work-life balance for employees experiencing bereavement.