Thread Content
On December 18, the health and safety risk management company International SOS released its \"Global Risk Outlook 2026\" report in Beijing, providing an in-depth analysis of the new safety and health risks that multinational companies and their employees will face in 2026. This is the 10th consecutive year that the company has released the Global Risk Outlook report. The report states that global risks and threats are continuing to intertwine and accumulate at an unprecedented pace and complexity, and companies operating on a global scale must take immediate action to accelerate their preparedness efforts in order to ensure the health and safety of their employees as well as the continuous and stable operation of their businesses. Uncertainty is rising sharply, with geopolitical turmoil being the main cause. “Global risk trends exhibit three characteristics: an accelerating pace of risk changes, the interconnection of different types of risks, and an increasing level of uncertainty regarding future developments.” ”Zhang Yingyan, Senior Manager for Travel Risk at International SOS, noted. The report shows that 57% of the surveyed managers believe that new risks emerge faster than companies can respond to them ； 49% of the respondents noted that risks are becoming increasingly intertwined. It is worth noting that uncertainty has risen sharply. 66% of the surveyed companies said that uncertainty has increased significantly over the past year, while 47% considered global geopolitical tensions to be the primary contributing factor. “In addition to causing direct conflicts, overseas geopolitical issues can also disrupt companies’ global operations due to sudden changes in local government policies, supply chain disruptions, and sanctions. ”Zhang Yingyan analyzed that therefore, companies need to make decisions based on their level of risk exposure in that region as well as the specifics of their business operations. They must assess whether it is necessary for all local staff to remain in that country. If some staff are still decided to stay, then there is an even greater need for a comprehensive support network, so as to obtain the latest security alerts promptly, stay informed about any developments, and also have robust contingency plans and adequate supplies ready. How can Sinopec companies better balance geopolitical risks with business expansion in their overseas projects? John Williams, Managing Director of International SOS China, pointed out that petrochemical companies should not make decisions to enter or not enter a market based solely on macro-level country risk ratings; what’s crucial is having \"hyper-localized\" information. Companies need to be aware of the real-time security developments and public sentiment in the specific city, community, or even street where a project is located, in order to avoid local conflicts and ensure business continuity. Regarding how to enhance supply chain resilience, John Williams suggests that petrochemical companies operating overseas should adopt a more proactive approach, including establishing diversified supply networks to avoid reliance on single sources, so as to have alternative options available to maintain normal operations in case a logistics route is disrupted due to geopolitical tensions abroad. “The “digital” risk is generally underestimated; deep integration driven by AI is key. The report states that cybercrime ranks second among the risk factors. The risks posed by other digital threats remain generally underestimated: only 14% of respondents consider fake and misleading information to be an important source of uncertainty, despite its growing impact on business operations and its potential to erode trust. Yet at the same time, the adoption rate of relevant technologies to address these challenges remains low. “Over the past 5 years, we have been emphasizing the risks of false and misleading information, and with ongoing technological advancements, this issue will become even more prominent by 2026. ”Zhang Yingyan said that the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has greatly reduced the costs and barriers to information creation, making it nearly impossible to distinguish between true and false information. Meanwhile, relevant laws and regulations are being rapidly phased out, which poses significant challenges to companies’ capabilities in information collection and processing. Cvete Koneska, Director of Global Security Risks at International SOS, said: “Companies can enhance their ability to anticipate and adapt to changes.” Agility and timely access to risk information have become key to companies building operational resilience. ”“No matter where a company is located or what environment it faces, only by having the ability to anticipate situations and take decisive action can it effectively protect its employees and maintain productivity. Response preparation can no longer be static; it must be technology-driven, dynamic, and continuous. AI technology has become a crucial ‘force multiplier’, enabling real-time risk identification and faster decision-making. However, technology alone cannot replace the judgment of key decision-makers; it is only by combining advanced analytical techniques with deep team expertise that it is possible to make sense of complex information and turn uncertainty into actionable insights. ”John Williams said. Mental health issues are on the rise; healthcare and safety planning have become essential. The report states that although data show an increasing burden of mental health problems, only 17% of those surveyed listed it as one of the top three risks. Irene Lai, International SOS Global Medical Director, commented: “Ignoring employees’ health is, to some extent, a disregard for the people-centered philosophy.” Case data from International SOS show that the most common mental health issues that require assistance are anxiety and stress, while medication problems often complicate business trips. Health risks no longer occur in isolation; extreme weather, mental health issues, and infectious disease threats often coincide with security threats. Companies must integrate medical and safety planning to effectively protect their employees. ”“Companies need to develop adaptive, forward-looking strategies in response to changing workforce structures, working patterns, and risk exposures. ”Li Xia, Medical Director at the International SOS China Assistance Center, pointed out that establishing a system for the physical and mental well-being of employees that can be flexibly expanded as needed and standardized on a global scale is no longer a luxury investment; rather, it is a necessity for maintaining the continuity of business operations and ensuring the safety of employees’ lives. Arnaud Vaissié, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of International SOS, said, “As we enter 2026, businesses will face not only a complex risk environment but also an increasingly rapid pace of dynamic changes.” Global geopolitical instability, frequent natural disasters, rising costs, and social polarization continue to exert significant pressure on business operations, as well as having an impact on employees ； Errors and false information erode the foundation of trust ； As the importance of human capital grows, employees’ mental health has become a management challenge that cannot be ignored. When risks no longer exist in isolation or statically, but are interwoven and constantly evolving, even the most thorough plans face severe challenges. Against this backdrop, proactive preparedness becomes even more crucial; it not only serves as a solid foundation for companies to maintain their confidence and ensure business continuity, but it is also an essential cornerstone for driving sustainable growth. ”