How Leaders Can Support Their Teams During the Wildfires

In times of crisis, finding the right words and actions can feel overwhelming. The California wildfires have left many of us feeling heartbroken, witnessing the devastation they bring. As leaders, we are called upon to provide reassurance, guidance, and support to those who look up to us—not to fix the situation immediately, as some challenges are beyond our control, but to help navigate it together.

This isn’t the first crisis we’ve faced in recent years. Each come with learnings and at Cultures That Pop, we wanted to share the actions people found supportive and impactful. Here’s our guide on how leaders can support their teams during this challenging time:

1. Check in Daily

Regularly check in with employees, both individually and as a group. Not everyone will feel comfortable speaking in a team setting, so make space for one-on-one conversations where team members can share how they’re really doing.

2. Be Visible and Accessible

Make yourself available. Communicate daily and remind your team that your door is always open for any concerns or conversations. Your presence can provide much-needed stability in uncertain times.

3. Prepare for Emergencies

Ensure all team members are familiar with evacuation and emergency plans. Provide clear guidance, including:

• Evacuation routes

• Emergency contacts

• Information about local shelters

Having a solid plan in place can alleviate some anxiety and confusion.

4. Flexibility Is Key

Take cues from the pandemic and adapt quickly:

• Allow remote work or flexible hours.

• Offer paid leave—not annual leave—for those directly or indirectly affected.

• Be transparent about where people are expected to work during this time.

5. Centralise Resources

Compile essential information in a single, easily accessible hub. Include:

• Local emergency numbers

• Updates on wildfire conditions, air quality, and evacuation zones

• Reliable sources like Cal Fire and AirNow.gov

This ensures your team knows where to turn for accurate, up-to-date information.

6. Provide Physical Support

• Distribute N95 masks to combat the effects of poor air quality.

• If possible, allow employees to expense air purifiers for their homes.

7. Offer Mental Health Support

Remind your team of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits and other crisis support services. Prepare post-incident support, such as access to trained therapists, to help employees process trauma and rebuild resilience.

8. Build Community and Connection

Crises can bring teams closer together. Encourage collaboration and peer support through:

• Buddy systems to check in on one another

• Open conversations that prioritise what truly matters—safety and well-being

9. Give Back to the Wider Community

Demonstrate leadership by contributing to relief efforts. For example, World Central Kitchen is on the ground in Southern California, providing meals to first responders and families. Consider organising donations or fundraising activities to support these vital efforts.

10. Take Care of Yourself

As a leader, you need to “put your oxygen mask on first”. Prioritise your own mental and physical well-being so you can be present and effective for your team.

Share Your Insights

This list is a starting point, but we know it’s not exhaustive. If you’ve found additional strategies to support your people during crises, please share them. Together, we can learn, grow, and make a difference.

❤️ Stay safe, stay strong, and let’s continue to support one another through these challenging times.