It’s a fragmenting world, according to the emergency medical and security travel aid provider International SOS in its 2025 Risk Outlook report. Some 65 per cent of the surveyed senior risk professionals perceive that risks have increased over the past year and another majority, 69pc think it is likely geopolitical tensions will have a significant impact on their business and/or people in 2025. Three-quarters, 75pc of the primary decision-makers surveyed see social and political unrest as a top risk. This comes as most, 78pc think it is likely burnout and stress will have a significant impact on their business and/or people in the coming year.
Significant risks for which respondents said they were least prepared includeconflict, geopolitical tensions, and protests.
Sally Llewellyn, Global Security Director at International SOS, says: “The interconnected nature of today’s risks are creating an environment where issues escalate quickly and unpredictably. Geopolitical tensions are triggering supply chain disruptions and cyber threats, while misinformation and disinformation amplify confusion, eroding trust within organisations and across borders. These complexities demand a shift from reactive to predictive strategies, leveraging intelligence-driven insights and cross-functional collaboration. While the challenges are significant, organisations that take a systematic approach to understanding and mitigating these layered risks can not only protect their people and operations but also strengthen their resilience in an era of uncertainty.”
A volatile geopolitical landscape is taking a profound toll on mental health, according to the survey. Some 65pc of those surveyed are predicting that political stress and anxiety will have a significant impact on their business and/or people in 2025. As for what to do, some 27pc of participants reported that their organisation has been impacted by misinformation, and a further 32pc reported being unsure if misinformation has impacted their organisation. A majority, 64pc of respondents spoke of increasing employee expectations about a ‘Duty of Care’ by the employer.
About the survey
The survey and polling firm Ipsos carried out an online survey of 802 clients and contacts of International SOS, comprising of senior decision makers responsible for health, wellbeing and / or security, in August and September. Visit: www.internationalsos.com.
