Prioritize safety for employees working internationally

Supporting and preparing international staff and travelers working in or headed to locations prone to unrest is paramount to help ensure their safety, wellbeing, and ability to navigate a challenging environment. During worsening security situations, organizations must focus on fostering a supportive environment for their teams while developing flexible plans to help ensure business resilience.

Key steps to prioritize safety and resilience

Monitor the situation and assess risks

• Stay informed: Leverage local and international media, security monitoring services, and official sources, like embassies, while maintaining strong communication with local networks. Pay close attention to developments that may affect team members’ safety. Some security companies can provide updates, analysis, and advice tailored to the unfolding situation.
• Increase communication check-ins: Frequent updates within on-the-ground teams and between country offices and headquarters foster transparency and help create strong channels of support. Regular check-ins empower leadership to act swiftly and make proactive decisions.
• Set clear decision triggers: Establish well-defined “trip wires” to ensure timely responses. Examples include reduced flight availability, visible military presence at checkpoints, and restricted communication networks. Triggers help mitigate the risk of normalizing dangerous changes in the environment and reduce complacency.

Adjust operations to minimize risks

• Reduce travel: Travel within overland areas often presents heightened exposure to risk. By limiting movement within and to the country, organizations can help safeguard personnel while reducing operational vulnerabilities.
• Offer flexible work arrangements: Enable employees to work from another area or stagger office schedules. Local staff, who often commute long distances, may face increased risks, and flexible work policies can reduce exposure and stress during periods of instability.

Plan for contingencies

• Prepare for shelter-in-place scenarios: Equip teams with adequate resources and supplies to shelter safely for extended periods (at least 72 hours, or longer if necessary).
• Collaborate about evacuation planning: Engage with security assistance providers to evaluate evacuation options and simplify processes for personnel. Advanced preparation helps ensure efficient response should evacuation become necessary.
• Support local staff needs: Assess unique requirements for host-country staff, such as financial assistance (e.g., pay advances), resources for relocation or remote working, and access to support networks that support their wellbeing.
• Evaluate business continuity options: Plan ahead for scenarios where disruptions may prevent international operations or require temporary office closure. Establish protocols for managing programs and operations remotely to preserve service delivery and minimize long-term impacts.

By focusing on proactive measures and prioritizing personnel safety, organizations create a supportive and adaptable framework to navigate unexpected challenges with confidence.

What role does insurance play?

In any high-risk environment, insurance serves as a critical safety net, offering financial protection, security resources, and expert guidance to help organizations navigate challenging situations effectively. Businesses operating internationally require a nuanced approach to risk management that addresses the diverse risks faced by both global employees and local nationals working on the ground—making it crucial to work with an advisor with deep expertise in international risk.

By proactively monitoring risks, implementing thoughtful contingency plans, and leveraging expert insurance solutions, businesses can confidently navigate uncertainty while prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of their most valuable asset: their people.