No matter how much advance warning is provided or experience garnered, employers and employees are often caught off guard by the devastation and uncertainty natural disasters create. Whether wildfires, hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, flooding, or even global pandemics, disasters have the capacity to disrupt ordinary life for the short and long term. Employers often need to address several employment-related concerns when such emergencies arise.

This Littler Mini-Guide highlights some common workplace issues natural disasters generate, including wage and hour disruptions, leaves of absence requests, benefit and tax implications of employee assistance programs, mass layoff notification requirements, and other post-disaster considerations. Also included in this Mini-Guide are practical materials employers can tailor for their workplace, including a sample letter to employees regarding payroll delay, a natural disaster leave-sharing policy and related forms, and a remote work program checklist.