This year, Singapore is enduring some of its wettest months on record, with frequent flash floods, transport delays, and safety concerns disrupting daily life and posing significant challenges for businesses. These conditions are driven by weather patterns similar to that of a La Niña phenomenon, which has brought prolonged heavy rainfall to the region. La Niña patterns, caused by the cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the Pacific, is known to intensify monsoon activity and result in above-average rainfall across Southeast Asia.
For businesses, the wet weather is more than an inconvenience, it poses significant disruptions to operations. Flooded roads and public transport breakdowns make it challenging for employees to commute safely and punctually. Delays in reaching the workplace or stranded staff due to flash floods can lead to reduced productivity and missed deadlines. Additionally, prolonged adverse conditions strain employees’ mental and physical well-being, leading to absenteeism and diminished performance. The cascading effects of these disruptions pose risks not only to immediate workflows but also to long-term business resilience.
To navigate these challenges, organisations must adopt a proactive and structured approach, safeguarding their workforce while ensuring that operations remain stable and adaptable despite the ongoing floods.
Here are some practical steps companies can take:
1. Flexible work arrangements: Allow remote work for employees where feasible, especially when weather warnings are issued. This reduces the need for commuting during hazardous conditions while maintaining productivity.
2. Emergency preparedness training: Equip employees with knowledge on how to stay safe during extreme weather events. Conduct drills and provide guidelines on evacuation routes and emergency contacts.
3. Real-time risk monitoring and communication: Establish systems to monitor weather conditions and road closures in real-time. Share timely updates and advisories with employees, ensuring they are well-informed and can make safe travel decisions.
4. Transportation support: Arrange for company-provided transport or ride-sharing services during peak rainfall periods to reduce exposure to hazardous commuting conditions.
5. Health and well-being support: Prolonged wet weather can dampen morale, so offering indoor wellness activities, sharing rainy-day health tips, and providing small comforts like warm beverages, can help to keep spirits high.
Beyond immediate mitigation measures, organisations should invest in resilience strategies to prepare for future weather-related challenges. This includes revising business continuity plans to account for environmental risks, incorporating climate resilience into risk assessments, and leveraging technology to support remote operations.
Collaborating with health and security experts, such as International SOS, can provide organisations with tailored guidance and resources. From conducting risk assessments to implementing emergency protocols, expert support ensures that businesses are equipped to handle disruptions while safeguarding their workforce.
As Singapore continues to endure the effects similar to that of La Niña, adverse weather events are becoming an unavoidable challenge for organisations. By adopting proactive measures, enhancing resilience strategies, and seeking expert guidance, businesses can safeguard their employees while maintaining operational continuity in the face of climate-related uncertainties.
About the author
Noriko Takasaki, Security Director of Assistance at International SOS, oversees security risk management, crisis response, and localised support for Asian clients, including Chinese, Korean, and Japanese speakers. With over eight years of humanitarian experience, she has worked with the Red Cross and NGOs in Africa, and contributed to major disaster responses, such as Haiti’s 2010 earthquake and Typhoon Haiyan.