- 74% of surveyed risk management experts believe geopolitical tensions will significantly impact their organisations in 2024.
- 47% of global alerts shared by International SOS with clients throughout 2023 were connected to political violence and unrest.
- 38% of experts believe their organisations are not equipped to respond to or mitigate the effects of social or civil unrest.
In the face of an increasingly volatile global landscape, International SOS, the world's leading health and security services company, emphasises the need for organisations to address the dual challenges of rising geopolitical risks and the ensuing impact on employees' mental health and wellbeing. Insights from the International SOS Risk Outlook 2024 report reveal this pressing concern; the permacrisis environment is taking a significant toll on both organisations and individual wellbeing, with 65% of risk professionals agreeing that the world has become more dangerous throughout the last year and around three-quarters of them expecting employee mental health to have a significant impact on their organisation this year.1
The global spread of political polarisation has also intensified. Over half (53%) of countries analysed in the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer report feeling more divided than ever, with distrust in government as a key driver.2 This distrust extends beyond governments, as International SOS Risk Outlook data reveals that employees now trust their employers more than public services as information sources. Growing polarisation can impact workplace dynamics, leading to changes in employee behaviour and increased levels of personal friction. To mitigate these risks, organisations should develop programmes to safeguard their employees, including a comprehensive workplace violence prevention programme, having escalation planning in place, and implementing policies clearly stating acceptable and unacceptable behaviours within their workplace. Early intervention and clear communication can help prevent minor disagreements from escalating.
The relentless cycle of crises creates not only operational disruptions but also a mental health risk for employees. Pre-existing demands for better mental health support have become even 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 organisations this year.1 Organisations must address this head-on, understanding and mitigating the often-multifaceted impact of geopolitical issues.
Commenting on these issues, Sally Llewllyn, 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 warnings, and political instability can rapidly escalate, creating a constantly evolving threat environment. Additionally, organisations 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. At International SOS, we have witnessed an increased awareness of misinformation and disinformation in recent years, even in locations where we wouldn't normally have seen previously.
Dr Rodrigo Rodriguez-Fernandez, Global Health Advisor, Wellness & Mental Health, at International SOS, comments, "Periods of geopolitical turmoil can exacerbate employee mental health challenges. Organisations have a vital role to play in mitigating this and fostering a culture of trust. Clear and reliable communication can be a critical tool for reducing employee stress and anxiety, enabling organisations to cultivate a more resilient and engaged workforce. As we go into the second half of 2024, it is vital for organisations to continuously monitor evolving risks and proactively anticipate and plan for a range of potential disruptions. Organisations require a layered security approach which prioritises their workforce's security, health and wellbeing, to better equip them to navigate these challenging times."
International SOS recommends the following strategies for organisations to navigate the rising global geopolitical risks:
About the International SOS Group of Companies
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives and protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, and your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity, and sustainability.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by over 9,000 organisations. This includes the majority of the Fortune Global 500. As well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. Nearly 12,000 multi-cultural security, medical, logistics and digital experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,200 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days. Between them, International SOS employees speak nearly 100 languages and dialects in our Assistance Centres, Clinics, and offices.
To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com
1. International SOS | 2024 Risk Outlook Report
2. Edelman | 2023 Trust Barometer Global Report