6 days Ago
A new network has been launched to encourage businesses to support staff dealing with bereavement in Colchester. The Compassionate Business Network, part of Compassionate Communities North East Essex, was launched on Wednesday, at the University of Essex's Innovation Centre. The network aims to create an alliance of businesses that support colleagues and others experiencing life's most difficult moments.
The initiative encourages businesses to share best practices in caring for staff and ensuring discussions around health, wellbeing, and bereavement are part of meaningful workplace conversations. As part of the initiative, St Helena Hospice offers businesses Compassionate Workplaces Awareness Training. This provides organisations with practical tools and resources to support their workforce when they are facing the loss of a loved one.
Greg Cooper from St Helena Hospice said: "It was a brilliant event and we are thrilled to welcome more local businesses into the Compassionate Community network in North East Essex." Colchester-based solicitors Thompson Smith and Puxon are among the businesses engaged in the initiative and have been recognised as Compassionate Champions. The University of Essex Innovation Centre welcomed business leaders for the launch of the Compassionate Business Network (Image: KAT Marketing) The award highlights the firm's dedication to providing a supportive workplace for staff and delivering legal services to the community with empathy and understanding.
Susie Steed from Mad Little Marketer attended the launch event and introduced the new Compassionate Communities North East LinkedIn page. She also offered tips on LinkedIn to businesses as part of the event. Susie said: "This was a really great opportunity to bring local businesses together and discuss the importance of wellbeing for our employees.
"Encouraging compassionate conversations and ensuring staff have access to the resources they need is not only good for people, it’s good for business." The initiative is a rallying cry to businesses in Colchester looking to make a difference in their community. It aims to make discussions around health, wellbeing, and bereavement part of meaningful conversations in the workplace, creating a supportive environment for those facing life's most difficult moments.
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