The number of self-employed workers taking bereavement leave is "very low", likely due to a lack of awareness about this right, warns HR group Liantis, ahead of All Saints’ Day (a day when people traditionally visit their family graves).
Since 2022, self-employed workers have been entitled to a maximum of ten days of paid bereavement leave following the death of their child, spouse, or cohabiting partner. This entitlement also covers the death of a spouse’s or cohabiting partner’s child, whether biological, adopted, or in foster care.
However, according to data from Inami (the public body that oversees healthcare in Belgium) cited by Liantis, the number of self-employed individuals using this right is relatively low. In 2022, 162 self-employed people were approved for bereavement leave. The following year, this dropped to 85. A similar trend was observed this year, with just 29 people taking the leave in the first six months of 2024.
"It is essential for self-employed individuals to take time to grieve and recover. This not only prevents emotional exhaustion but also contributes to their long-term productivity and well-being," said Karel Van den Eynde, an expert in self-employment at Liantis.
Liantis emphasises the need for better information and encouragement for self-employed workers to take bereavement leave when necessary.
