Facebook is making headlines yet again in the human resources space.  Earlier this month Facebook Chief Operating Officer, Sheryl Sandberg, announced employees will now receive up to 20 days of bereavement leave in the event a family member passes.

Sandberg lost her husband in 2015 and said that “amid the nightmare of Dave’s death when my kids needed me more than ever, I was grateful every day to work for a company that provides bereavement leave and flexibility. I needed both to start my recovery. I know how rare that is, and I believe strongly that it shouldn’t be.”

The Society for Human Resource Management’s 2016 Employee Benefits Survey Report revealed that just over 80% of companies provided any paid days for bereavement leave last year.  On average, four days of bereavement leave were awarded following the passing of a spouse or child.  In the event of a domestic partner, foster child, grandchild, sibling or grandparent passing, only three days were typically awarded.

Facebook has historically been known for granting generous amounts of paid time off.  Paid leave for new parents includes 100% weekly earnings for four months.

HR experts explain that this is an extremely significant move for Facebook since it is paving the way for employee appreciation, employee satisfaction and employee benefits.