Political unrest is a state of social and political instability, characterized by protests, strikes, and violence. It can be triggered by economic or other factors that undermine people’s quality of life and their faith in government institutions. The root causes are many, but they often include corruption, inequality, and authoritarianism.
As governments ease restrictions and public concerns about COVID diminish, political disaffection could increase and lead to an increased risk of unrest in the near future. Steep increases in food and fuel prices can also exacerbate public frustration and spark demonstrations.
Companies should keep in mind that political unrest can cause disruptions to business operations, especially if the unrest lasts for a long period of time. In that case, employees should be aware of how to navigate potential travel and working conditions. They should be informed by following reliable news sources, staying away from sensational or biased information that might trigger anxiety, and making contingency plans for when they need to travel or relocate for work.
Businesses should also encourage a culture of vigilance by promoting the importance of employee safety and stress management. They should also offer support for their people and encourage open discussions about how the impact of political unrest on employee mental health can be mitigated. They should also promote the use of trusted local resources for critical intelligence and stay in close communication with their teams to gather reliable information about potential unrest. They should also consider the effect of unrest on trade, particularly when it leads to stalling or blocking of shipments of goods into and out of a country.