Media Contact
Adam Allington
In addition to the physical toll of natural disasters like hurricanes Helene and Milton, employers face logistical and legal challenges, like dislocated workers, timely wage payouts, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration considerations.
Bruce Tracey
Professor of Human Resource Management
Bruce Tracey, professor of human resource management at Cornell University, says employers should start developing pre-emptive natural disaster plans.
Tracey says:
“When natural disasters and similar environmental shocks (e.g., COVID-19) shutter businesses, those that pursue a human-centric (vs. collecting an insurance check) approach rebound more quickly and thus, can take market share from those that don’t.
“There are also regulatory requirements such as the continuation of compensation and benefits that must be overseen and managed in a compliant manner. Responding quickly and authentically will ensure those who are displaced have as soft a landing as possible.
“Lastly, it should be noted that in addition natural disasters, the growing scarcity of labor (worldwide) for front-line production and service work are forcing firms to rethink the design of work and be more purposeful in determining what people will do versus what algorithms and robots will do.”
