Welcome to The Flying Fish Company Blog®

Grief, Bereavement and Compassion at Work

This blog offers practical guidance, personal reflections and honest conversations about grief, bereavement and compassionate workplaces.

Drawing on lived experience and my professional work, I explore how we can support people through loss, communicate with greater confidence, and create workplaces where grief is acknowledged rather than avoided.

You’ll also find posts on workplace bereavement, suicide postvention, communication after loss, and practical resources for managers and organisations.

Helen smiling warmly with a cup of tea
Helen McMenamin Helen McMenamin

Is Grief an HSE Issue?

When grief affects someone at work, it doesn’t just stay at home. This blog explores why grief is a workplace health and safety issue, how it impacts psychological risk, and what the HSE’s 5Rs framework can teach us about creating safer, more compassionate teams.

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Helen McMenamin Helen McMenamin

5 Practical Ways HR and Business Leaders Can Support Employees Through Grief.

Grief is a workplace reality that many leaders feel unprepared to handle. A simple "I'm sorry for your loss" can open the door to meaningful support, but effective grief response goes beyond condolences. This blog explores five practical ways HR professionals and business leaders can support grieving employees—through flexible policies, long-term awareness, and compassionate leadership. Learn how to create a workplace culture that acknowledges grief and equips managers with the right tools to respond with empathy.

Want to empower your managers? Explore our Grief Awareness for Managers course today.

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Helen McMenamin Helen McMenamin

New Year, New Feelings: Embracing the Emotional Tide

As we step into 2025, the transition into a new year can bring a mix of emotions—grief for what’s passed, hope for what’s ahead, or even a little of both. For me, 2024 was a year of self-discovery and setting boundaries, a time of growth and embracing change. Whether you’re looking back with nostalgia or ready to move forward with anticipation, know that whatever you’re feeling is valid. Join me as I reflect on the lessons of the past year and share my hopes for the one ahead.

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Helen McMenamin Helen McMenamin

Coping with Grief at Christmas: Finding Your Own Way Through the Holidays

Christmas can feel overwhelming when you're grieving. The pressure to meet expectations, maintain traditions, or put on a brave face can be exhausting. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In our latest blog, we explore how to navigate the holidays with compassion for yourself, sharing personal insights and practical tips.

Whether it’s embracing new traditions, taking a step back, or simply letting yourself feel whatever arises, this season is yours to approach in a way that feels right. Remember, those who love you will understand your choices—and those who don’t aren’t your responsibility.

Read the full post for heartfelt advice and encouragement to help you honour your grief and care for yourself this Christmas.

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Helen McMenamin Helen McMenamin

National Grief Awareness Week: Why Talking About Grief Matters

Grief affects us all, yet it’s often left unspoken—especially in the workplace. This National Grief Awareness Week, learn why starting the conversation about grief is key to fostering compassion and understanding in our professional environments.

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Helen McMenamin Helen McMenamin

Shining a Light in the Darkness: Launching the Grief Awareness Series

Today marks a significant moment in my journey as I officially launch the Grief Awareness Series for Workplaces. Born from personal experience and a deep passion for change, this series is about transforming workplaces into compassionate spaces where grief is understood and supported. Through this work, I hope to shine a light in the dark spaces and help others navigate the waves of loss with empathy and resilience.

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