I've been at my small “family” company for 16 years. Probably have used 3-4 sick days in that time. My mom passed in April. It happened quickly and once i decided to fly home I noted on our company calendar that i would be out the following week thinking i would take the week and would be helping my mom come home from the hospital. She passed 3 days later. The time i noted on the calendar has remained as “vacation” time and as the year is coming to an end it is really bothering me. My boss is very in tune to that calendar and I dont believe it is just an oversight.
I should note that last year another employee had scheduled vacation time, but ended.up being sick with covid and these “vacation” days were removed from the calendar giving that employee more days off. Understandable, but considering my situation now I feel like I am being made to say something and it seems so inhumane.
Bereavement time has.come up in the past,.about 8 years ago when my uncle died. When she asked me how i would be covering the days i took off for his funeral I said bereavement days, she responded by playing dumb and saying she wasn't even sure if the company has bereavement days. My employee handbook is at the office (been working from home since covid and don't want to go in to grab it) but i am almost 100% positive that there is mention of 3 days bereavement for close family members. I have so much guilt for not being there for my mom and that makes this situation so much worse