Support people and businesses in times of unrest

Domestic civil unrest can deeply affect individuals and businesses. This type of unrest often arises from societal challenges, such as political disputes, social inequality, economic hardships, or other factors that generate widespread grievances. It may manifest in various forms, from peaceful demonstrations and strikes to more volatile situations, like vandalism or clashes with law enforcement. While its causes and dynamics differ depending on the circumstances, the impact is universal—potentially affecting personal safety, emotional wellbeing, and business stability.

Tips to protect people and businesses during times of civil unrest

Here are some actionable tips to help protect your employees and your business during periods of unrest, ensuring safety and wellbeing remain the priority.

Stay informed

• Stay updated about the situation through reliable news sources, official announcements, and social media accounts of local authorities.
• Monitor local communication channels to anticipate protests, demonstrations, or other potential disruptions that may affect your business or your employees’ commute.
• Share relevant updates with your employees in a timely and professional manner, helping them stay informed and prepared.

Plan and prepare

• Develop a comprehensive safety plan for your employees and business. This plan should include evacuation procedures, designated safe zones, and emergency response protocols.
• Conduct emergency preparedness training with employees, including how to respond to a violent or disruptive situation.
• Prepare emergency supplies at your workplace, including water, non-perishable food, first aid kits, flashlights, essential medications, and battery-powered communication devices.
• Have a clear communication system in place (e.g., email, text alerts, or internal apps) to distribute updates and instructions to employees during an emergency.
• Ensure your business and employees have access to security contacts or crisis management resources in case of escalations.

Maintain situational awareness

• Encourage employees to remain aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activities or escalating situations to supervisors or security personnel.
• Monitor entry points and security systems to detect signs of unrest or unauthorized access.

Avoid high-risk areas

• Identify areas where unrest may likely occur, including government buildings or sites known for protests, and adjust business operations, employee schedules, or routes to minimize exposure.
• If certain areas are nearby, consider enhancing security at your workplace or temporarily closing, if needed.

Communicate and stay connected:

• Ensure your employees know how to reach management or HR representatives in case of an emergency.
• Encourage employees to share their whereabouts with trusted colleagues or supervisors during heightened periods of unrest.
• Provide employees with access to emergency contact information, including local law enforcement and crisis resources.
• Keep business communication devices (work phones, radios) charged and ready, particularly for on-site security teams.

Travel in groups

• Encourage employees to commute or travel in small groups, particularly if unrest is anticipated nearby or safety is a concern.
• Provide parking or transportation options that minimize exposure to unsafe areas, such as company shuttles or designated carpool systems.

Maintain a low profile

• Recommend employees avoid wearing clothing or accessories that may unintentionally associate them with political or social groups during times of heightened tension.
• As a business, avoid publicly displaying sensitive symbols, political messages, or signage during unstable periods.

Stay calm and professional

• Train employees in de-escalation techniques to help safely manage potential workplace disputes or disruptions.
• Encourage calm, non-confrontational communication during tense situations to help reduce the risk of escalating hostility.

Follow instructions

• Ensure employees understand the importance of complying with directives from law enforcement or other authorized personnel during emergencies.
• Clearly define appropriate evacuation procedures and protocols for your workplace, including regular drills to ensure everyone knows how to react promptly and safely.

Secure your workplace

• Protect your business by locking doors and windows, reinforcing entry points, monitoring surveillance systems, and limiting access to sensitive areas.
• Add additional security personnel or systems where necessary, especially if unrest is anticipated nearby.
• Maintain backups of critical business data off-site or in the cloud in case on-site equipment is damaged or inaccessible.

Support employees’ wellbeing

• Offer access to mental health resources, including counseling or stress management programs, to help employees cope with anxiety during periods of unrest.
• Maintain open communication channels so employees can express concerns or safety needs without fear of judgment or retaliation.
• If disruptions affect employees’ ability to commute or work, provide flexible options, such as working remotely or adjusted schedules.

Exercise caution on social media

• Review public-facing social media accounts and avoid posting potentially provocative or polarizing statements that could draw unwanted attention to your business or employees.

Seek professional advice, if needed

• Work with security consultants, crisis management teams, or local authorities to evaluate and strengthen workplace safety measures.
• If your business faces disruptions or risks, consult professionals to create tailored strategies for employee protection and business continuity.
• By combining these strategies, you can better protect your team, safeguard your operations, and ensure the wellbeing of everyone involved during uncertain or challenging times.

What role does insurance play?

Insurance offers individuals and businesses financial protection, as well as risk mitigation and recovery resources. Civil unrest often involves property damage, business interruption, and potential liability issues, making certain types of insurance essential to consider, such as:

Financial protection

• Property insurance: Covers physical damage to buildings, equipment, inventory, and other assets caused by riots, vandalism, or fire.
• Business interruption Insurance: Compensates for lost income or ongoing expenses if a business is forced to shut down due to unrest or damage, helping maintain cash flow during turbulent periods.
• General liability insurance: Protects against claims of third-party injuries or damages that occur on business premises.
• Workers’ compensation insurance: Covers employees injured while working during times of disruption or chaos.
• Acts of terror or war-related insurance: Depending on the nature and severity of unrest, specialized policies may address more exceptional circumstances, such as terrorism or large-scale political violence.

Risk mitigation and recovery

Your insurance advisor can help you understand what resources your insurance companies offer to help mitigate risks and recover from civil unrest incidents, such as risk assessments, loss control recommendations, and emergency preparedness planning guidance. They can also assist with expedited claims processing, educational tools, real-time risk monitoring, and collaboration with local authorities to improve overall resilience. By both reducing exposure to unrest-related risks and helping recover financially post-crisis, insurance plays a key part in a business’s continuity and recovery strategy.

In times of civil unrest, ensuring the safety and stability of people and businesses is paramount. By implementing proactive strategies, fostering open communication, and leveraging insurance and risk mitigation resources, employees and businesses can face challenges with confidence and emerge stronger together.