At enlightenHR, we passionately believe that the very foundation of HR is human compassion and understanding. Especially when it comes to life’s profoundly challenging moments like pregnancy loss. The recent insights from baby charity Tommy’s are alarming, highlighting that many employees, whatever their gender, often find themselves adrift during such traumatic times. While it’s heartening to see the growing conversation around this sensitive topic, there’s still a considerable distance to cover in bridging the gap between having policies and effectively practising them.
For many of our small to medium-sized businesses, establishing extensive protocols might feel overwhelming. But the essence of supporting your team through these moments doesn’t have to be complex or costly. It’s about genuine human connection, timely action, and knowing where to seek expert advice.
Here’s a straightforward guide to helping your team members navigate the painful experience of pregnancy loss:
- Lead with Compassion: Remember, the best tool you have is empathy. Engage in a conversation with genuine concern, actively listen, and avoid rushing through it. Don’t feel awkward or embarrassed, you don’t have to have any answers, in fact it’s best if you don’t, just listen empathetically.
- Adopt a Personalised Approach: Each individual will have a unique way of coping. Instead of a blanket solution, allow the employee to guide the conversation and let you know what they need. Practice active listening: ensure you are present in the conversation, ask appropriate questions if the individual is opening up or discussing how they are feeling, and finally also leave space before you respond to allow yourself time to listen wholeheartedly.
- Provide External Support: While your support is invaluable, professional help can be critical. You may want to familiarise yourself with external organisations that specialise in offering counselling and advice; having these resources at hand showcases your commitment to their well-being. Of course, a call to your enlightenHR Advisor will support you in having the conversation and provide you with details of such resources.
- Time is Healing: Understand that the emotional aftermath of such a loss can be profound and long-lasting. Be flexible with your employee’s needs, whether it’s immediate time off, changes to working patterns, it being acceptable to “take a moment” or additional breaks during the day.
- Anniversaries: The memory of loss can often resurface, especially around anniversaries. Recognising this and offering support during such times can make a significant difference.
- Seek Expert Guidance: At enlightenHR, we’re always here to support you. Reach out to us for tailored advice, resources, and strategies to navigate these challenging situations.
HR is not just in policies and procedures but in understanding and compassion. Let’s strive to create work environments where every employee feels seen, heard, valued, and supported, especially during life’s toughest moments.
Holly Mapstone is an HR expert and specialises in helping those of you in the SME sector with all of your HR needs.
Consultancy allows Holly to be agile and to adapt her style and support to suit the needs of her clients. Building strong working relationships allows Holly to deliver improvements, while also aligning people strategy to business outcomes and promoting resilient and positive cultures.
Need Advice?
If you need a hand with any of this, or anything else when it comes to the people and practices in your business, we’d love to help. We are always happy to debate the pros/cons, dos/don’ts with you so please do talk to us if we can help in any way, we are here to support you. Just give us a call and arrange a free consultation. You can talk to Alison directly on 07967 221595 or email info@enlightenhr.com
