Day of mourning for deceased friend is "first step in the right direction," says expert

AZ Maria Middelares in Ghent introduces a new bereavement leave policy allowing employees a day off for the death of a friend, marking a significant change in Belgium. This initiative, prompted by union requests, acknowledges the emotional impact of losing friends, which is often overlooked by existing laws that only recognize family relationships. Experts emphasize the importance of this policy in fostering a more humane approach to grief, as modern relationships often extend beyond traditional family structures. The hospital also allows employees to spread their bereavement days over time, recognizing that grief can resurface unexpectedly. This move is seen as a step towards creating a compassionate workplace culture, with hopes that other employers will adopt similar practices.