Whether it’s due to greater access to information or increasingly erratic weather patterns, one thing is clear: natural disasters are becoming more frequent and more visible, dominating our news feeds with stories of hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes that leave devastation in their wake.

In 2024 alone, nearly 11 million Americans were temporarily displaced by natural disasters, and that’s just within the U.S. Globally, typhoons, wildfires, and extreme flooding have impacted communities from the Philippines to Spain and Canada. These catastrophic events not only disrupt lives but also create serious challenges for businesses, especially those managing mobile talent.

When disaster strikes, unprepared mobility teams often find themselves scrambling to ensure the safety and well-being of relocating employees. While many companies have established emergency preparedness plans—including employee tracking and immediate outreach—the support needs don’t end there. Employees may require alternate accommodations, additional resources, or extended support if their residences are damaged or uninhabitable.

Here’s Where a Well-Equipped Mobility Team Can Help

A well-prepared mobility team is essential in managing both the immediate and long-term effects of natural disasters. These teams are often the first point of contact for mobile employees, providing reassurance and critical support. During the recent storms in Houston, our partners at Weichert Corporate Housing exemplified this role with proactive, compassionate action.

As the storms hit, they quickly identified impacted employees, reaching out to ask vital questions: Are you safe? Do you have power and water? Is your residence damaged? For those unable to remain in their homes, they swiftly arranged alternate accommodations. Daily updates gave clients full visibility into the status of their mobile population.

WCH’s quick thinking and empathy reflected positively on the client, demonstrating that they had a trusted partner equipped to respond to a crisis, protect their people, and pivot as needed. From a business perspective, keeping talent safe and comfortable during a disaster also helps minimize disruption and reduce lost productivity. Good for your people, good for your bottom line!

“Timely communication during a natural disaster is critical to ensuring transferee safety and minimizing distress. Clear, concise updates help maintain trust and provide essential guidance when uncertainty is at its peak.”

Mark Pooley / SVP Weichert Corporate Housing

Beyond Immediate Needs

Here’s the thing: responding to a disaster by meeting the immediate needs of mobile employees is only half the battle. The aftershocks, both practical and emotional, can linger long after the event itself. From the mental health toll of trauma to the burden of navigating insurance claims and recovery logistics, employees often face weeks or even months of disruption.

Employers must remain flexible, accommodating, and supportive as individuals work to regain a sense of normalcy. Long-term housing may be scarce, household goods shipments may be delayed due to infrastructure issues, and personal belongings may need replacing.

In these moments, overcommunication is everything. Regular, clear updates help employees stay grounded, and internal stakeholders stay aligned. Sharing information before, during, and after an event reduces surprises, ensures timely support, and ultimately reinforces your company’s commitment to its people, which is key to retaining top talent in the long run.

​“Overcommunication isn’t just helpful—it’s a lifeline.” ​

Mark Pooley / SVP Weichert Corporate Housing

The unthinkable may be unavoidable, but how you prepare and respond can make all the difference. Supporting employees through disasters and times of uncertainty isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a powerful way to demonstrate your commitment to their safety and well-being. And in return, you earn lasting loyalty, retain key talent, and strengthen your position as an employer of choice. Now that’s a plan worth having!