Avoiding Crisis Fatigue

Over the last years, we have seen corporate citizenship and philanthropy efforts and budgets increase as the private sector has responded to the pandemic, social upheavals, the war in Ukraine, and now the ongoing rapid global economic slowdown—along with a series of hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. In the past, crisis fatigue has had a negative impact in that the first disaster can be given more attention and resources than later crises. For example, the 2017 hurricane season produced Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Harvey came first and received the most donations, while Maria came last and received the least, but Maria caused the most damage and created the greatest need. Thus far, we are not yet seeing that kind of effect, as major companies, at least, are maintaining or increasing charitable giving. To avoid crisis fatigue in the future:

• Ensure philanthropy is part of broader business and sustainability strategies.
• Employ governance practices over corporate citizenship that reduce the emotion of the decision-making process and ensure that the right decision makers are at the table.
• Enlist the entire organization, not just corporate citizenship departments, in your efforts.
• Be sure those on the front lines working on societal and community issues take care of themselves. 

For more details, see: Corporate Citizenship During a Geopolitical Crisis (Part 5 of 5)