The following are sample messages in response to pervasive anti-Black violence that was highlighted by the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and many others.

From People Ops / HR to managers

(Feel free to copy, paste, and edit to match your org.)

Dear managers,

Times are hard right now. We ask our employees to bring their full selves to work so we can all benefit from the passion, engagement, and creativity that’s only possible when we are real with each other. And right now, bringing your full self to work also means bringing your fears, your pain, your confusion, and your anger. The recent killings of George Floyd, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and violence has brought pervasive racism into the forefront of our minds. It’s not that racism is new - it is the fact that it is unending that is so painful.

So, what can we do as leaders in our organization? Here are 3 steps we ask you to take:

  1. Put on your oxygen mask first. Holding space for others going through emotional turmoil while also feeling the chronic strain yourself is a lot to endure. Please take care of yourself so you can also show up for others. Take breaks, take time off, lean on your peers, ask for help, and contact the People Team if you need extra support.
  2. Acknowledge it. Call out what’s happening in the world, and the impact it has on your team in an email and/or in your next team meeting. Make it clear that people can talk about their fears and frustrations about racism as openly as we have been talking about the pandemic.

Use phrases like: “I want to acknowledge what’s happening...” “I want to call out how impossible it is sometimes to focus on work in the midst of everything that’s happening…” “It’s okay to talk about what’s happening in our world and how we’re feeling about it…”

  1. Check in before checking on. Every person on your team right now is feeling something different. Some people are angry. Some people are grieving. Some people are exhausted. Some people need breaks. Some need help re-prioritizing their work. And some people want to throw themselves into their work for a sense of progress and meaning. So, start your 1-1s by checking in about how people are feeling and what they need before checking on their work.

Ask questions like: “What’s one thing I can do to make your life easier?” “Have you seen the resources we have available to help during this time - do you need any clarification?”

Based on what you learn, please help each person make adjustments to their work (e.g., make a stop-start-continue list, take time off, distribute tasks across the team, share self-care resources like this article or a resource you co-create with your team).

If we can support you in any additional way during this time, please let us know. And THANK YOU for your courage and care as leader during this difficult time.

From People Ops / HR to CEO (if needed)

(Template written by LifeLabs Learning. Feel free to copy, paste, and alter to match your org.)

Hi,

I’m thinking it would mean a lot to our team to hear from you regarding the recent deaths, racism, and anti-Black violence going on.

It’s also a chance to show our employees we care and stand with them - especially Black employees. It can go a long way in creating a better space for people to cope.

I’m thinking an email and comment at all-hands would be great. Let me know if I can help by writing up a draft or sending sample messages from other companies (dozens have already gone out this week).

I know how much is on your plate right now, and would love to make it easier on you. Would a draft help?