Operating Effectively when Crisis Hits

In an era marked by global unrest and conflict, businesses face the considerable challenge of maintaining operations amidst uncertainty. It is not always possible to predict when or where the next security issue will come, so thorough planning is vital. Businesses should develop comprehensive risk management planning and evacuation strategies to prepare and react in a timely manner and keep any potentially affected staff safe. By James Wood, Regional Security Director at International SOS

If evacuations do become necessary, organisations need reliable intelligence to inform timely decision making. The rapid escalation of crises seen recently in locations like Sudan, Niger, Israel, and Gaza serves as a stark reminder that security threats are deeply complicated and interconnected. Hence, it is paramount businesses are equipped with the knowledge and guidance necessary to navigate these challenges successfully.

Preparedness is the Foundation of Risk Management

At the heart of effective risk management lies meticulous preparation. Businesses need to craft robust risk management planning strategies that draw insights from various parts of the organisation. These plans should encompass a thorough analysis of the geopolitical landscape, potential disruptions to business operations and supply chains, and an assessment of local market impacts. But they also need to factor in left field risks that can appear in-house. Should the company need to hire a criminal lawyer for any reason, being prepared to take action and manage damage control is essential here. It is important that flexible strategies which allow for agile responses to evolving situations can be formulated.

Third party security risk management organisations can be an invaluable resource for businesses operating in conflict-prone regions. They can provide not only immediate security support but also a broader spectrum of assistance. International SOS actively monitors security incidents, gauging their potential to spread and impact wider regions. For example, there are ongoing concerns about the Israel-Gaza crisis spilling across borders in the region and tensions within European urban centres rising in response. If a business already has planning in place, then these secondary effects of security crises can be better mitigated.

Beyond addressing physical safety concerns in Israel and Gaza, International SOS has also been providing support for mental health issues, trauma, and crisis fatigue among clients’ employees. This is due to the sensitive and emotive nature of the conflict, which has far-reaching repercussions. A comprehensive approach ensures that businesses can attend to the long-term wellbeing of their employees and the future of the company.

How and When to Get Out?

In the rare situations where the security landscape deteriorates to the point where it is no longer feasible to operate safely and securely, businesses should be prepared to undertake evacuations. Evacuations can be facilitated through various means, including commercial flights, chartered flights, and local road or maritime transportation. However, executing evacuations is no simple feat; road, border or airspace closures may occur unexpectedly, or infrastructure could be compromised, demanding flexible logistics.

Evacuations present multifaceted challenges, particularly as they usually occur in very dynamic environments. The current situation in Israel and Gaza underscores the unpredictable nature of on-the-ground conditions. With a diminishing number of commercial flight options available from the country, numerous businesses made the decision to evacuate staff from Israel. International SOS has, so far, successfully transported over 100 people and organised multiple chartered flights across Israel during a period of active conflict, some of whom were as close as 6 miles from the Gaza border. 

Assistance as complicated as this is only possible with the ability to accurately assess the risks stemming from rocket fire or similar activity. So, crucial to successful evacuations are in-country partners, providing on-the-ground insights, effective risk assessments and support. The International SOS Incident Management Team coordinated the movement of travellers across various locations in Israel, who had to meet at Ben Gurion International Airport. It also ensured reliable information on their status was fed back to businesses – at a time where the spread of misinformation poses a substantial challenge for businesses across the globe. 

Reliable Information as a Strategic Imperative 

The most effective crisis management structures empower the pre-crisis phase. This focuses on identifying and collecting information to make timely decisions and rehearsing the potential response. Information remains key in successful crisis management and can be prepared in advance by researching key players, assessing the historical context of the conflict, and predicting its trajectory. 

This information needs to be shared with those on the ground, but communication in conflict zones poses unique challenges, especially when infrastructure is compromised. Businesses need contingency plans to address communication blockages and disruptions, ensuring that alternative channels are available and staff know how to access them. Establishing a dedicated team and maintaining strong links with vetted on-the-ground partners is fundamental to this. 

The ability of businesses to continue to operate when a security crisis hits lies in thorough preparation, empowered Crisis Management Teams, strategic partnerships, and access to reliable information. By prioritising comprehensive risk management plans and staying informed on the situation on the ground, businesses can bolster their resilience and, in turn, reduce the risks for their employees. In an era defined by uncertainty, adaptability and preparedness stand as the essentials for sustaining operations and prioritising the safety and wellbeing of employees.