Everyone responds to death differently.
Today we have lost a great leader, the only monarch most of us have ever known.
We may have had several schools, multiple jobs, a few homes and friends who transition through our lives at various points; throughout these life events Queen Elizabeth has been a constant for most of us.
As an employer, you need to ensure the wellbeing of your staff. For some the passing of Her Majesty will mark just another day, for others her passing will be devastating and heart-breaking.
There is going to be an outpouring of love and a communal need to talk about her life, memories and perhaps occasions when we, or those we know, have met her.
Business will be disrupted.
As I write this we are still waiting for clarification on our National Mourning period, the day of the funeral and the Public Holidays which are likely to be declared, both for the mourning of Queen Elizabeth II and for the celebration of the coronation of King Charles III.
Give your staff time to grieve, if they require it.
Give them time to talk, if they feel the need.
Don’t shut them down.
Listen to them.
For some, the passing of the Queen will bring back personal bereavement memories and for others it may evoke fears of bereavements yet to come.
Regardless of your personal feelings, as the business owner, you need to show leadership, empathy and understanding.
Check in with your staff.
Ask what they need from you at this time.
If necessary, sign post them to bereavement support services.
I will write again to clarify the position once we know what is happening with public and bank holidays. There may be a difference between what you HAVE to do and what you WANT to do and what your staff NEED you to do.
G-d Bless the Queen.
Long Live the King.
