The International SOS Foundation has published ‘Extreme Weather: Health Impacts on the Global Workforce’, which provides the results of research into the business disruptions and health challenges posed by extreme weather.
Key findings of the research include:
- Widespread impact: 65% of respondents reported that their organization had been affected by extreme weather in the past five years.
- Mental health gaps: 40% of organizations fail to provide mental health support for employees and their families impacted by extreme weather events.
- Top threats: flooding emerged as the most common issue, with heavy rain being the primary cause, for over 72% of respondents.
- Disruption levels: among those significantly affected, 80% reported operational disruptions, 54% experienced infrastructure damage, and nearly a quarter saw physical injuries among employees or their families.
- Lack of preparedness: 36% of organizations lack comprehensive plans and policies for extreme weather events, while 57% haven’t conducted risk assessments on such threats.
For organizations with plans in place, only a quarter specifically address the health risks to employees, leaving many unprepared to manage injury, illness, or fatalities during an event. With over a quarter of organizations reporting that they would be unable to locate employees during a crisis, emergency response and effective crisis management are further complicated. This poses a significant risk to both employee safety and to business continuity.
Moreover, the continuing mental health impact of extreme weather events is often overlooked. After such incidents, many employees are left to cope with trauma, stress, and anxiety, with 40% of organizations not offering any mental health support to affected employees and their families. The aftermath of these events can be just as devastating as the physical damage, and without the right support, the long-term consequences can be significant for both individuals and the organization as a whole.
Dr Irene Lai, Global Medical Director at International SOS, stresses the importance of addressing these health and wellbeing risks in a comprehensive approach:
“In today’s world, businesses are navigating increasingly complex challenges due to extreme weather. It’s not just about bracing for a flood or a heatwave; it is about the human side of resilience —understanding how these events can profoundly impact health, mental wellbeing, and security. Many organizations still overlook the comprehensive planning needed to safeguard their workforce in these moments of crisis. True resilience involves more than just infrastructure; it requires proactive, people-centred planning that prepares both individuals and communities to withstand and recover from these impactful events. This means establishing reliable communication channels, ensuring access to medical and mental health resources, and embedding flexibility in response plans to adapt to evolving situations. When organizations address these elements, they not only protect their people but strengthen their long-term ability to thrive.”
