Well now that the referendum is over and the results are in and as the nation awaits the next steps in this very complex process; at the forefront of my mind the words keep calm and carry on couldn’t be more fitting.
Regardless of how you have cast your vote, one thing that has really struck me is the way that people have begun treating their friends and families after the results were announced. Some of the things that I have witnessed on social media have genuinely shocked me just because the result was not as expected.
It is understandable that there is uncertainty and that people have genuine concerns for the future but by demonstrating intolerance or a complete lack of respect of other people’s opinions is something that just does not sit right with me. All of our beliefs and views are different and by resorting to personal insults against those closest to you are not the answer when we are needed to work this through together. After all, this is what makes us human and why we have a democracy.
Please remember that these words and insults cannot be taken back and can cause unnecessary divides in households and friendships at a time where we should be united. We are better than this and our future generations deserve better. We should be handling this in a mature manner and with graciousness, not pointing the finger and embarrassing ourselves in the history books; after all, it’s just not British is it?!
It is important for us all to take a deep breath and realise that the changes will not be immediate and will take at least two years to allow time for our Government and UK businesses to adjust to the new developments. From a HR perspective, there may be changes that become apparent quite quickly, employees may have questions and it is important to have an open door relationship to allow them to voice their concerns. Other changes such as the right to work in the UK, employee regulations and rights may take some time to define, so at the moment it is business as usual until the CIPD and Government advise us otherwise.
For now all we can do is wait for the government to unveil their plans. In the meantime, keep calm and carry on… I’m off for a cuppa!
Natalie Ellis HR 