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Change is the only constant in life, unfortunately. This has never been more true when it comes to the 2020 global pandemic. The funeral industry has had to evolve along with everyone else to accommodate the new normal.
Given the brutal reality we’ve all been facing, the industry has been given an even darker social stigma. A large collective reminder of the hardships we’ve faced and our fragile mortality.
Even us at ROK have seen how business owners in the grief industry have been forced to adapt their services. Along with a whole score of new difficult decisions.
Even with the worst behind us, a lot of uncertainty lies ahead. So it’s important to leverage and prepare for unknown challenges.
With some thoughtful consideration and hopeful strategies, operators of funerals can keep their businesses thriving. All while providing meaningful services that comfort mourners into 2023 despite looming obstacles.
An Overview of the Funeral Industry in 2023: How the Pandemic has Changed the Landscape
The funeral industry has undergone significant changes as a result of the pandemic. Especially when compared to other industries given the nature of the subjects that surround the industry. As we press into 2023, we can expect to see a landscape that is markedly different from what we knew before.
Funeral homes and crematoriums have had to adapt to provide safe and dignified services for families who have lost loved ones. However, despite the challenges, there is hope for the future. This new social awareness of grief isn’t necessarily a dreadful curse for funeral homes.
The pandemic has also brought about an increased willingness to have conversations about death and dying. As well as a renewed appreciation for the importance of community and ceremony when mourning.
As we move forward, the funeral industry must continue to reach out to meet the changing needs of families and communities. Being open and aware of this new willingness to discuss topics of death and hope with their clients. All while also maintaining the respect and care that is at the heart of its work.
Challenges that Funeral Homes are Facing Post-Pandemic
The pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the funeral industry. Funeral homes have had to adjust to new safety protocols, such as limiting the number of guests and requiring masks, while still providing comfort and support to grieving families.
In light of the economic downturn has also impacted the industry. With many families opting for cheaper options or postponing services until a later date.
However, despite these obstacles, there is hope for the future. Many funeral homes have adapted by offering live-streaming services or virtual consultations. Making it easier for families to plan services from afar. Additionally, there has been a renewed appreciation for the importance of end-of-life services. Which has seen a surge in demand post-pandemic.
While the road ahead may be difficult, funeral homes can and must continue providing compassionate care to those in need. Especially now when more and more clients are willing and able to discuss it.
New Trends in Cremation Services
As traditional funeral customs continue to evolve, cremation services have become a popular trend among families seeking a more personal and eco-friendly way to say goodbye to their loved ones.
In fact, the National Funeral Directors Association reports that cremation rates have been steadily rising and are projected to continue. In 2020, the cremation rate in the US was estimated to be around 56%, compared to just 27% in 2001.
With the rise of cremation, funeral directors are now offering various alternatives to traditional burial. Such as scattering ashes in personalized urns, transforming ashes into jewelry, or incorporating ashes into a memorial reef.
Despite its simplicity, cremation offers a meaningful and intimate way to honor the deceased while also contributing to environmental conservation. As a result, the increasing trend towards cremation services reveals a positive shift in society towards a more personalized and sustainable approach to funeral services.
Social Media and the Impact on the Industry
In today’s world, it seems like everyone is connected to social media in some way. While its impact on our daily lives cannot be denied, social media also offers a unique opportunity for those who are grieving.
As we stated before, bringing in technology into the grieving process has always been seen as a bit alien. However, since social attitudes regarding tech and social gathers have changed, we now have new opportunities to explore new methods for helping our clients.
Social media in particular offers a suite of potential strategies:
- Building a community: Funeral homes can create a sense of community by creating social media groups or pages where people can share their experiences, offer support, and connect with others who have gone through similar experiences.
- Providing education and resources: Funeral homes can use social media to share educational content and resources about grief and mourning, funeral planning, and other related topics. This can help their followers better understand the process and feel more empowered to make decisions.
- Personalizing their services: Funeral homes can use social media to showcase their services and facilities, as well as the unique ways they support families during the grieving process. By sharing stories and testimonials, they can help people feel more connected to their brand and more confident in their services.
- Offering virtual options: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many funeral homes have started offering virtual options for services, such as live-streamed funerals and virtual memorial walls. By promoting these options on social media, funeral homes can help families who may not be able to attend in person feel more connected and included.
- Engaging with their audience: Funeral homes can use social media to engage with their audience by responding to comments and messages, sharing user-generated content, and participating in online discussions. This can help them build trust and establish themselves as a compassionate and supportive resource for those who are grieving.
While it can never replace the comfort of a hug or a kind word spoken face to face, social media can be a valuable tool for those who are grieving and for those who want to support them.
Conclusion
The global pandemic has caused a great deal of change in the funeral services industry. But with those changes come a great opportunity for modern funeral homes to step up and deliver compassionate and personalized service. Even while our physical contact is minimized. Making use of technology, redesigning traditional spaces, and embracing new trends can help funeral homes redefine what is possible and make sure they are staying relevant in bereavement practices. Above all else, making an effort to foster meaningful connections with grieving families via social media – trusting in its ability to reach them despite geographical distance or varying levels of comfortability – is essential for uplifting their spirits during difficult times. With these changes come hope for a positive future for the funeral industry that embraces respectful innovation and keeps humanity at its center.
About the Author, Madison Taylor
Madison Taylor is the Brand Ambassador at ROK Financial. She is responsible for raising brand awareness and business relationships with business owners across the country. Madison loves that she plays a small role in getting Business Back To Business Through Simple Business Financing and looks forward to hearing what you think about the blogs she creates! Madison has been working in the financial space for six years, and loves it! When she is not at work, you will find her at home learning a new recipe to test out on her family or going on new adventures with her friends.
