Sunday 09 November marks Remembrance Sunday and Tuesday 11 November marks Remembrance Day.
It is the day that World War One ended, with the country falling silent at 11am for a period of reflection.
Why Remembrance Matters in the Workplace
While Remembrance Day is a national event, it also offers organisations an opportunity to reflect on their own values and responsibilities. Many workplaces today include veterans, reservists, or employees with family connections to the Armed Forces. Acknowledging this day respectfully can foster inclusion, strengthen engagement, and demonstrate authentic organisational empathy.
Meaningful Ways Employers Can Mark Remembrance Day
Here are some ways HR professionals and Line Managers can thoughtfully recognise Remembrance within their organisations:
- Observe the Two-Minute Silence – Encourage teams to pause together at 11am on Tuesday 11 November. If you have employees working Sundays, this would be done at 11am on Sunday 09 November.
- Having Poppies available within the workplace – to encourage staff that wish to, to wear a Poppy and contribute a small donation.
- Share a Message of Reflection – A short note from leadership or a post on internal channels can go a long way in recognising the day.
- Support Veteran Employees – Use this time to highlight your organisation’s commitment to supporting veterans, reservists, and the Armed Forces community — whether through recruitment, flexible policies, or the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Encourage Storytelling – Invite employees to share their own family stories or reflections if they feel comfortable. These personal connections often bring a deeper sense of meaning and unity.
- Make a Charitable Contribution – Consider supporting the Royal British Legion or other military charities as part of your CSR strategy.
A Moment to Reflect
Remembrance Day and Sunday is ultimately about taking a moment, as individuals, colleagues, and organisations to remember the cost of the freedoms we enjoy today.
In HR, we often talk about culture, belonging, and shared purpose. Remembrance Day reminds us that these values extend beyond the workplace, connecting us to a wider community and history that shape who we are and what we stand for.
So, as we wear our poppies and pause in silence, let’s not only remember the past but also carry forward the principles of service, respect, and unity in everything we do.
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