KEEPING UP TO DATE

How to Mark Remembrance Day in Your Office

10 November 2020

We offer some suggestions on how you can remember this sombre occasion in your workplace…

On Wednesday 11th November, we commemorate the lives of those lost during war. The date is significant as at 11am on 11 November 1918, there was a cease fire to allow the Germans and the Allied Troops to negotiate a peace settlement which brought an end to World War I after four years of fighting and millions of deaths. Since 1919, we have observed Remembrance Day to honour the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought in all conflicts.

In your office, you can show your support for the Remembrance Day in a few ways…

Offering Poppies to purchase and support the Poppy Appeal
The poppy flower has long been symbolic of all who have lost their lives in conflict. The Poppy Appeal was established by the Royal British Legion in 1921, with the sale of poppies raising money for veterans and their family members. In your office, you can support the appeal by offering poppies for purchase or purchasing some to give to staff to wear on Armistice Day.

A commemorative silence
It is tradition to have a commemorative two-minute silence at 11.11am on the 11th day of the 11th month (November) to show respect for those who gave their lives. In your office, you can hold this silence in a quiet room for those who wish to participate without being disrupted by the usual office activities.

Organise charity fundraising
If you feel your staff may appreciate fundraising for worthy causes associated with Remembrance Day, you can organise activities. In past years bake sales have been a great activity but with COVID your office might engage by hosting a virtual trivia night (using Kahoot or something similar) or talent quest (perhaps to showcase new skills learnt during your lockdown period) as examples. Any funds raised can be donated to SOLDIER ON or another organisation that supports veterans.

Volunteering
You can encourage those working in your office to offer their skills as volunteers for RSL NSW or SOLDIER ON. Volunteering means you are supporting their mission to respect, support and remember our veterans and their families.

Create a quiet and safe space for your staff to pay their respects
If employees would like to remember relatives or share family stories, you can provide them with a safe space in the office. You can also offer emotional support if some staff members are having a rough time. Remembrance Day can be a difficult day for those affected and being aware of their needs is so important.

While having one day a year to reflect on the tremendous sacrifices that went into making and keeping our community safe is important, it doesn’t have to stop at the end of the day. You and your business could benefit from the amazing array of skills and experiences of our returned soldiers that could help your business. Consider if any of your positions might be suitable to place on the SOLDIER ON job board.

Need help with these suggestions or your HR?
Contact an Impact HR expert for your obligation free consultation.

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