In an increasingly volatile global landscape, International SOS, the world’s leading health and security services company, emphasizes the need for organizations to address the dual challenges of rising geopolitical risks and the impact on employees’ mental health and wellbeing. The International SOS Risk Outlook 2024 report highlights the urgent concern that the current permacrisis environment is significantly affecting both organizational operations and individual wellbeing. According to the report, 65% of risk professionals agree that the world has become more dangerous over the past year, and around three-quarters expect employee mental health to have a significant impact on their organizations this year.
The Rise of Political Polarization
The global spread of political polarization has intensified, with over half (53%) of countries analyzed in the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer report feeling more divided than ever. This distrust in government is a key driver, extending beyond public institutions to employers. International SOS data reveals that employees now trust their employers more than public services for information. Growing polarization can impact workplace dynamics, leading to changes in employee behaviour and increased levels of personal friction. To mitigate these risks, organizations should develop programs to safeguard their employees, including comprehensive workplace violence prevention programs, escalation planning, and clear policies outlining acceptable and unacceptable behaviours within the workplace. Early intervention and clear communication can help prevent minor disagreements from escalating.
Impact on Employee Mental Health
The relentless cycle of crises creates not only operational disruptions but also mental health risks for employees. Pre-existing demands for better mental health support have become more pressing as employees face increased stress, anxiety, and burnout from prolonged exposure to geopolitical tensions, cost of living impacts, and uncertainty. Almost three-quarters of risk professionals expect employee mental health to significantly impact their organizations this year. Organizations must address this head-on, understanding and mitigating the multifaceted impact of geopolitical issues.
Sally Llewellyn, Global Security Director at International SOS, underscores the urgency to account for risks linked to geopolitical tensions: “The current geopolitical landscape is a perfect storm of interconnected crises, with cascading effects on global security. Conflicts arise with little warning, and political instability can rapidly escalate, creating a constantly evolving threat environment. Additionally, organizations face added challenges with the upcoming wave of global elections. As more than half of the world is set to hold national elections this year, a surge of misinformation and disinformation may arise.”
Strategies for Navigating Geopolitical Risks
To navigate the rising global geopolitical risks, International SOS recommends the following strategies:
Enhanced Situational Awareness: Implement a comprehensive information gathering and analysis process specifically tailored to monitor geopolitical developments. Ensure access to real-time and accurate intelligence combined with expert insights. Partnering with organizations offering on-the-ground intelligence and access to security experts allows organizations to gain actionable insights to navigate volatile situations and predict potential outcomes.
Targeted Crisis Communication: Develop a multi-channel and integrated communication plan tailored to employee location, role, and specific needs during a geopolitical crisis. This system should include SMS, push notifications, and other appropriate channels to maintain consistent contact, confirm employee safety, and provide immediate assistance or evacuation as needed.
Scenario Planning: Conduct scenario planning exercises for a variety of high-impact, high-probability geopolitical threats specific to the organization’s global footprint. Use predictive analysis to plan for the most likely, least likely, and best/worst-case outcomes. This preparation enables organizations to anticipate potential impacts and develop strategies to mitigate risks effectively.
Crisis Response Training: Implement a comprehensive crisis response training program that incorporates interactive workshops, simulations, and e-learning modules to educate employees on geopolitical risks, potential impacts, and response protocols. This should include education on how employees can stay informed and identify misinformation during periods of geopolitical uncertainty.
Mental Health Support: Provide easy and confidential access to mental health resources and support programs, including a dedicated employee assistance program hotline and counselling services to help employees manage anxiety, stress, and build resilience. Foster a culture of open communication and encourage employees to seek support if they are struggling with the emotional impact of global events.
Continuous Adaptation: Conduct a thorough review after an incident to identify what worked and what did not in the crisis management process. Establish a feedback loop to gather insights from employees at all levels after a crisis to identify areas for improvement in the response strategy, particularly regarding the effectiveness of communication and support during incidents.