If a staff member experiences a loss in their family and a director is informed, their first step is to reach out to HR with this information. HR will then contact the staff member, collecting information on how we can best serve them in their time of grieving. HR will then contact ELT with this information and compose one concise email to communicate to the staff all the needed information according to the staff members' expressed wishes regarding disclosing details. If applicable, the Burrows will facilitate the coordination of a meal train, and the Staff Care Team will send flowers according to the date-specific information collected and communicated by HR.

As stated in the Oaks Church Handbook, Staff Members may be absent, without loss of pay, in the event of the death of one of the following relatives of the Staff Member or spouse: Spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, or grandchildren. Such leave may begin on the day of the deceased person's death, but no such paid leave shall exceed three days unless approved by the Lead Pastor upon recommendation by an Executive Pastor. Part-time regular Staff Members who average 20 hours or more each week are eligible to be absent up to three working days at the time of the death of a relative, as indicated above. They will be compensated for the hours normally worked during those days absent. With their supervisors' approval, staff members may use any available Paid Time Off (PTO) for additional time off as necessary.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact HR during this process.

HR Responsibilities:

Step 1: Communicate the news to ELT.

Step 2: Call the staff member with these questions:

• Context of the situation.
• Communicate Bereavement time off options.
• Confirm their availability for receiving Meal Train food on bereavement leave.
• Coordinate a date to send flowers.
• Clarify what they would like communicated to staff.
• Clarify the level of privacy desired when returning to work and whether they are ready to receive direct communication from other staff members.

Step 3: Communicate to the DT Staff Care Team

• The DT Staff Care Team will provide a card, send flowers, and set up a meal train.

Step 4: Send an email to the staff with relevant information.