Email from HR requesting more proof for my two day bereavement leave. Apparently the death certificate isn’t enough.
Thursday, 13 Mar 2025
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Lol. Obituaries can be bought by the word.
“Deceased- Mr John Doe, 60. Born August 8, 1964, Died December 12, 2024. Survived by his son, John Doe, 30. His son works for Acme Corporate, a bunch of asshats who are hassling him over bereavement leave. His dad’s dead, would it kill you to pay him for three days he needed to take care of things?”
My morbid family would take a high-def group family photo with the deceased and email it to “corporate”. My dad, who is deceased, would absolutely approve. Edit… spelling
Just remember, when you find a new job 2 weeks notice is a courtesy not an obligation.
1. Start looking, as stated. Fuck “corporate”.
2. In the meantime, ask for the policy in writing. Then use r/MaliciousCompliance as much as you can.
3. I bet he’s listed as an emergency contact? That would be savage.
That’s just infuriating.
Our corporate policy does say that bereavement leave requires proof, however every HR rep i’ve worked with has said to just grant the time off without question unless this is the 5th time their great-great, grandma has died.
Edit: yes, I’ve been informed that you technically can have 8 great-great grandmas.
“Please let me know if you can provide me with something else.”
Like a letter of resignation?
But if you share first and last name, the certificate does include your name on it…
I’d be livid.
Your birth certificate should show proof of the relationship.
Otherwise, a letter of attestation that you write yourself.
My grandparents both died in the 14 years I’ve been at my job. My boss asked for the obituaries, solely so she could send flowers to the funerals. What your company is doing is way over the line.
It is difficult to express how infantilizing, condescending, insensitive, and cruel this is. Fuck these people. I hope you steal from them.
Please ask for the communication that “corporate” sent. Then forward that to your local news investigative reporter.
While you should absolutely 100% quit this company the second you find another job, you might be able to supply your birth certificate as added documentation so you don’t get fired and still get to leave on your terms.
But bottom line, fuck corporate.
I wouldn’t even respond to this, even if questioned in person.
When I was a funeral director I kept a template on my computer of a letter for asshole employers. I wrote out the name of the person, their relationship to not only the deceased but the next of kin to amplify the importance of the person’s attendance and participation. To be a dick, I also printed off the obituary and literally highlighted everything I wrote in the letter. All these employers requesting death certificates as though they’re going to get any information on there that’s any of their damn business.
The death certificate does not include you on the death certificate? WTF?
Imagine getting a death certificate for someone you’re not close with. That’s some George costanza shit.
I’d ignore this and start looking for a new job
Find out who’s “corporate” and send a simple email asking the following question: Are you fucking stupid?
It’s 2 days. And expecting a death certificate to have your name on it is absurd. This is so soulless, I have no words.
I’d tender my resignation on the spot but if that’s not an option, show them your birth certificate with his name on it?
Please please please stop playing along with BS like this. We’re only legitimizing it by jumping through their hoops!
“I’ve notified you I’m taking a few days of bereavement time next week. That wasn’t a request, but if you really want to push the issue, my shrink has already offered to give me an FMLA note for the next three months off with pay. Your call.”
Make a fake obituary. Also quit.
“I’d like you to meet my son, Different Unrelated Guy Jr.”
And on top of that, no way I could have gone back to work three days after my dad passed.
This is so fucked up. I would be inclined to go public with this and blow up their business.
But If you really wanted to play their game ask for the policy. You may be able to provide your birth certificate which usually has your fathers name on it.
Reminds me of the scene from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off where the principal Rooney asks them to “produce a corpse” except this is incredibly insulting.
And right on cue after insulting OP for the entire email comes the last line “I’m not really a dick” bullshit apology after being a complete dick. Standard operating procedure mind fuck. I fucking hate HR.
If “HR” is asking for that level of documentation, they are lookomg for a “legal” excuse to fire you. Former HR here.
Why would OPs name be on the death certificate unless they themselves had died? Such a weird request!
This corp deserves their name to be blasted holy fuck
They don’t care about your contributions to the company as demonstrated by playing ‘fine print’ with you when your fucking parent died.
Tell them you won’t be providing anything else and that you’ll be taking the leave anyway, it’s not a request, it’s a heads up.
Start looking for a new job and don’t quit unless you get one. Make them fire you and collect the unemployment if they don’t like it.