Here are 11 ways to help your team members impacted by the wildfires in Southern California, plus a new resource you can share directly with your employees.
Over the past two weeks, our team at the Health Action Alliance has been closely following the news about the Southern California wildfires that have killed at least 25 people, burned over 40,000 acres and 12,300 structures, and forced more than 150,000 people to evacuate.
Like many of you, we have team members and loved ones in the Los Angeles area who evacuated and are now coping with the devastating aftermath, even as heavy winds still continue to fuel the fires. While we’re uncertain of what lies ahead, it’s clear that workers will need the support of their employers during this challenging time — and beyond.
Experts are already calling this one of the most expensive natural disasters in history, estimating that recovery will cost nearly $150 billion and take more than 10 years to rebuild. And in our changing climate, wildfire season is now year-round, with fires becoming more frequent and extreme.
As we come together to rebuild our communities, employers have an important role to play in supporting employees through this challenging time and in helping them navigate what’s next.
Amid a natural disaster, leaders are called upon to show flexibility, empathy, and support. Here are some ways you can help your team during times of crisis:
We’ve curated some helpful tips and resources in a free tip sheet you can share directly with employees impacted by the wildfires in Southern California. These resources can supplement guidance from local officials. You can download the tip sheet here.
Additionally, Los Angeles County’s emergency site has up-to-date information on evacuation orders, road closures, and shelter resources.
Your employees trust you to share accurate, up-to-date information. Create a centralized hub for storm-related resources, including emergency contacts, evacuation routes, and local assistance programs, and update it as more resources become available. Be sure to include tips on helping your team avoid consumer scams, which often increase after a natural disaster.
Additionally, California has issued a state of emergency that makes price gouging (increasing the cost of necessities, like rent or food, by 10% or more) illegal; learn more here.
Your team may be dispersed; some may be affected by a disaster while others aren’t. When possible, proactively inform managers about potential outages and provide recommendations to help your team manage absences.
Offering additional paid time off, remote work options, and flexible schedules to give employees time to focus on recovery or family needs. In some cases, extended leave may be required for people severely impacted by a wildfire.
Invest in employee assistance programs (EAPs) and remind employees how services like counseling or financial aid can help them recover after a natural disaster.
Establish a company-sponsored fund to provide quick financial assistance to affected employees. This can cover immediate expenses like temporary housing, food and water, or essential supplies.
Following a natural disaster, parents and families may experience child care disruptions. Creative ways to support your team members who are caring for children can look like:
Work with your insurance provider to ensure employees can access pharmacy benefits, even if they’ve been displaced. Also, offer access to virtual care and telehealth services so employees can access care wherever they are. Make sure your benefits include mental health services.
Coordinate with your 401(k) plan administrator to allow affected employees to access their savings through hardship withdrawals if needed.
Learn how air quality can impact employee health, and make a plan to protect your team at work.
Employees impacted by severe weather may experience trauma following the event and heightened anxiety about our changing climate in the coming weeks, months, and even years. We curated local and national mental health services in the new wildfire relief tip sheet. You can also check out our “Protecting Mental Health Amid Climate Challenges” resource to learn best practices for ongoing mental health support.
Consider organizing company-wide volunteer opportunities to help the affected communities. This also fosters unity among your team.
In the weeks and months ahead, as we recover from this disaster and prepare for a future with more frequent and intense wildfires in our changing climate, we have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to prioritize employee health and safety.
The National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health is a group of business, health, and climate leaders with a shared mission to address the health risks posed by extreme weather and provide the tools companies need to protect their workers.
It’s time for leaders to understand the risks, proactively adapt to today’s climate conditions, and invest in human and business resilience.
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