Internal Communications: Holding Statement
Holding statements are prepared before or at the start of a pandemic in order to communicate news to stakeholders. This article covers one of the more sensitive Holding Statements: the death of one or more staff members within the organization.
It is highly recommended that an organization develops all the necessary Holding Statements for its Crisis Communication initiative, in order to properly spearhead its Crisis Management & Business Continuity initiatives before, during, and after a Pandemic.
This is a sample format of the circular for internal communication.
Inform Staff of Death of a Staff
Dear Colleagues
Immediate – Pandemic Influenza/ Infectious Diseases Staff Notification
It is with deep regret that we inform you that ________________(Name of employee) passed away on _______ (Date) due to complications from _______ (Insert infectious disease here. For example, COVID-19). Each of us not only grieves at the passing of an outstanding individual but also for the loss his / her family suffers. Our hearts and prayers go out to them.
A funeral service will be held on ______ (Date), _____ (Time) at ________ (Location). Those wishing to offer condolences to his/her family can pass their contributions to ___________________ (Personnel’s name, email address and telephone number).
Regards,
<Name of Head of HR>
<Designation of HR Management Staff>
Reference Guide
Goh, M. H. (2016). A Manager’s Guide to Implement Your Infectious Disease Business Continuity Plan, 2nd Edition. GMH Pte Ltd.
Do You Want to Continue Training During A Pandemic Outbreak?
Due to the pandemic outbreak, BCM Institute will be conducting its certification courses via interactive video conferencing, online and e-learning mode. Find out more about the Business Continuity Management (BCM) and Crisis Management (CM) Blended Learning (BL) courses.
For this period, the content will include the managing and implementing of the Pandemic Influenza plans.
