There are some excellent ideas in the threads above. It's been awhile since I've been in management but...

Some years ago we lost the father of the owner of the store we worked in (and I basically managed). Mr. Hogan was a great guy and while he could be a pain in the butt to his son he was always great with the rest of us. He'd come in to fill in on peak days and help watch customers and the like. I liked him and he always had a kind word.

When he passed away (also from cardiac issues although he was older and retired he still wasn't THAT old) we made time for those who had worked with him to attend the funeral. We also couldn't close the store.

What I did was take each person I could aside and have a chat with them. I reminded them that Mr. Hogan wouldn't have wanted his son's business hurt because of him. I empathized and we shared a few minutes of grief and then got back to it.
[Nods in agreement] I've spent more time sitting in the office with the door closed in the last 24 hours than I ever have in the whole time I've been there. (We try not to ever close the office door unless there's a private conversation going on.) But that's something I've noticed; everyone needs to talk about it. In fact, I've been surprised at the people who have wandered in to talk. But listening has been a major part of my job these last weeks, and even more so yesterday. Thanks for reminding me that it IS valuable and critical. Sometimes it doesn't feel like it's much at all, but that's not true.

That doesn't sound like much - but a little thing showing that a manager cares can go a long, long way. I also made sure I was more available than usual to pitch in where and when I could on the floor if someone needed a break. Most didn't - but there were one or two occasions.
[Nods some more] I always try to throw in a hand bussing tables or running food/drinks when I'm not tied up with other things. You're right, of course. That's going to be very necessary over the weekend.

Naturally we were a small op with only around ten employees so it was easier - and the funeral was in the afternoon when a few of us could get free with the others to cover.

I'm sure you've likely thought of all of the above - and probably done it as well. I just wanted to pass on that it can (and did) work for us.
Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to share.

Good luck. It's a very sad thing. I hope everyone will be okay. I'm positive you'll do fine.

Just don't stick anyone with a spear <wink>
LOL! I'll try to restrain myself.


Morik The Thief: something that might amuse you... I think I pissed off a customer
Morik The Thief: as there was a package at work delivered to a Miss G Edwards
Morik The Thief: for bladder control underwear

~Jarlaxle