Research has shown that extreme weather can also be a risk to mental health.
According to a survey by the International SOS Foundation, nearly two thirds (65%) of organizations have been affected by extreme climate in the last five years.
The survey of 200 decision makers from 40 countries found that 40% did not provide mental health assistance to employees and their families who were affected by extreme weather.
Heavy rain was the main cause of disruption, according to 72% of respondents.
Of those who were significantly affected, 80 percent reported disruptions in operations, 54 percent experienced damage to infrastructure, and almost a quarter suffered physical injuries or the loss of family members.
Over a third (36%) of organisations lacked comprehensive policies and plans for extreme weather events. 57% did not conduct risk assessments.
Only a quarter of the organisations that had plans in place specifically addressed health risks for employees. This left many unprepared to deal with injury, illness or deaths during an event.
Emergency response and crisis management is further complicated by the fact that more than one quarter of organisations report they will be unable locate employees in a crisis. The foundation said that this posed an additional risk to employee safety as well as organisational continuity.
The mental health impacts of extreme weather were also often ignored. Many employees have to deal with anxiety, stress and trauma after such incidents. Yet, 40% of organizations did not provide any mental health support for affected employees or their families.
The foundation stated that the consequences of such events could be as damaging as the physical damage. Without the right support for individuals as well as organisations, long-term effects can be severe.
International SOS’ global medical director, Dr Irene Lai said that extreme weather is a major challenge for businesses today. The human side of resilience is not only about preparing for a flood, or a heatwave. It is also about understanding how these events impact mental health, security, and wellbeing.
Many organisations are still ignoring the need for comprehensive planning to protect their employees in times of crisis. True resilience is more than infrastructure. It requires proactive and people-centred plans that prepare individuals and communities for these events.
“This includes establishing reliable channels of communication, ensuring that people have access to mental and medical health resources, as well as incorporating flexibility into response plans in order to adapt to changing situations.” “When organisations take these steps, they protect their employees and strengthen their ability to thrive in the long term,” Dr Lai said.
