Supporting staff in hostile environments

– This article aims to consider the impact on employees of working in hostile environments.

– This paper considers how organisations can best prepare employees for this type of assignment, including pre-assignment training and counselling, as well as on-going post-assignment support and the pivotal role of line managers in trauma management.

– The paper utilises the experiences of two organisations, Action Aid International and Concern Worldwide to outline their approach to supporting employees working in hostile environments.

– This paper responds to a growing debate around the impact of extensive exposure to violence, tragedy and natural disasters for employees of a range of international organisations.