USA 
United Kingdom
As wildfires ravage Los Angeles County, leaving entire neighborhoods in ashes and thousands displaced, it has been interesting to see how some well-known businesses are stepping up to support employees and their communities.
With over 20 lives lost, damages projected to exceed $150billion, and widespread displacement exacerbated by a crisis in home insurance coverage, employers face mounting pressure to offer meaningful aid.
The efforts made at this time illustrate how companies can go the extra mile to play a crucial role in disaster recovery, offering not just financial aid but also emotional support, work flexibility, and direct engagement with affected communities. From temporary housing and mental health resources to matching donation programs, not only are their efforts crucial for employees in danger or under severe strain, but how companies have behaved in a time of crisis will become a matter of record and reputationally important.
While OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) mandates general worker safety during natural disasters, companies are taking additional steps to help staff recover. Here’s how some of the region’s largest employers are addressing the crisis.
Cisco: Connectivity and care
Tech giant Cisco has prioritized employee wellbeing, offering critical time off, mental health resources, and temporary housing for affected staff. The company launched an internal giving campaign to fund relief efforts and stands ready to deploy its Crisis Response team for emergency communications.
“Our hearts are heavy and go out to all impacted by the Southern California wildfires. Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees and providing them with resources they might need,” the firm stated.
Amgen: Mobilizing relief
With its headquarters in Thousand Oaks, biotech leader Amgen is deeply embedded in the affected community. Alongside confirming staff safety, the company is channeling $10 million toward relief efforts and matching employee donations.
“Our headquarters in Thousand Oaks is currently open, conditions permitting. We are in the process of confirming the safety of all impacted staff and mobilizing resources,” Amgen stated.
Salesforce: Holistic employee support
Salesforce, which has a substantial workforce in the region, is offering 24/7 assistance for employees facing safety challenges. The company pledged $1 million for disaster relief and matches employee donations up to $5,000. Workers in financial distress can also seek aid through Salesforce’s Hardship Relief Fund.
Snap: Flexible and responsive
Social media company Snap, headquartered in Santa Monica, has allowed employees to work remotely while staying in contact with those in evacuation zones. The company is assisting with travel and accommodation needs and pledged ongoing community support.
“Thankfully our team is safe and accounted for at this time and we’ll remain ready to help the Los Angeles community in any way we can,” a Snap spokesperson said.
AI in Hiring: Trends, Insights and Predictions
As AI revolutionizes the recruitment life cycle at warp speed, HR leaders must stay informed about AI’s advantages and its current shortcomings.
How can we adopt these tools to stay competitive and efficient while retaining the human touch that remains critical to optimizing candidate experience, making informed decisions, and, ultimately, building strong teams and cultures?
That is our industry’s biggest challenge as we navigate this new terrain. We hope these insights, tips, and predictions will help drive innovation and excellence in your hiring practice.
Mattel: Partnering for impact
Toymaker Mattel is channeling aid through its Children’s Foundation, collaborating with partners such as the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and Baby2Baby to deliver supplies to those affected. Employees have also volunteered time and opened their homes to support colleagues and neighbors in need.
The Honest Company: Prioritizing mental health
The Honest Company is emphasizing employee wellbeing with mental health programs and a safe workplace for those displaced. Collaborating with Baby2Baby, the company has donated essential items, including diapers and personal care products, to families impacted by the fires.
Paramount: A multi-pronged response
Paramount has extended temporary housing support and encouraged remote work for its employees. Through a cash grant program and employee assistance fund, the company offers financial aid and emotional support. Paramount also pledged $1 million to organizations such as World Central Kitchen and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
Paramount’s CBS Studios resumed production on its Los Angeles-based shows, contributing meals to first responders and donating clothing from series wardrobes to aid efforts.
Those companies that have stepped to help employees and the local community will not only have given much-needed help to those in need, but their actions now will help the area and the businesses affected recover more quickly and it certainly won't have done their employer brand any harm either.
