By Stephen Massey 

In recent weeks, America’s top health agencies have seen major shifts in leadership and direction. For many people, this may feel like another round of partisan politics. For CEOs, it should be a wake-up call.

Strong, science-based public health institutions aren’t just good for society; they’re essential for business resilience. When those systems wobble, companies feel the effects first: spikes in absenteeism, rising health costs, and operational disruptions.

Take vaccinations. Even before the latest turbulence, coverage rates were slipping. That trend makes workplaces more vulnerable to outbreaks of preventable illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and measles. Such outbreaks don’t just threaten health; they disrupt supply chains, slow throughput, and sideline entire teams.

Or consider disaster preparedness. With extreme weather on the rise, businesses often rely on federal emergency management for stabilization. If that support is delayed or inconsistent, companies may have to shoulder more of the response burden themselves, lengthening downtime and driving up costs.

The risks are real. But businesses aren’t powerless. In fact, employers have always been among the most trusted institutions during moments of uncertainty. They can act quickly, communicate clearly, and reinforce confidence.

The first step is to anchor company policies to science, not politics. Some employers are establishing internal scientific advisory councils to cut through conflicting guidance and translate it into clear enterprise policies. Having documented thresholds and decision frameworks in place now prevents scrambling later.

Prevention is another high-yield investment. Companies that make it easy for employees to get vaccinated — through workplace clinics, pharmacy partnerships, or paid time off — see fewer sick days and stronger productivity. These simple steps also send a powerful cultural signal: leadership cares about employee well-being.

Planning for multiple shocks is also important. Infectious diseases and climate disasters increasingly collide. Merging pandemic and disaster-preparedness playbooks ensures business continuity even when crises stack. That means cross-training essential staff, pre-authorizing remote work pivots, and stocking critical supplies at key sites.

Trust is the currency of resilience. Employees are bombarded with conflicting messages about health. In that environment, a company’s credibility rests on clear, consistent, and compassionate communication. Translating science into plain English, explaining the “why” behind policies, and pairing those policies with supportive benefits — such as flexible leave and mental health services — signals to employees that decisions are being made with both evidence and empathy. This approach avoids culture-war framing and helps unify a diverse workforce around shared values of health and safety.

Local partnerships can also close gaps. While national systems fluctuate, local health departments and hospitals remain vital. Employers who build relationships with them now — by co-hosting clinics, sharing data where appropriate, or running joint crisis drills — reduce response time when it matters most.

Finally, businesses should use their voices constructively. Through industry groups and civic platforms, employers can champion science-driven, stable health systems. This isn’t about politics. It’s about competitiveness. America’s economic edge depends on a reliable health infrastructure. Framing the issue this way helps depoliticize the debate and reinforces the alignment between business success and public health.

The lesson for CEOs is clear: You can’t control politics, but you can control preparedness. The companies that act now — by protecting people, planning ahead, and communicating with clarity — will not only limit disruption tomorrow, they’ll also earn employee loyalty, customer confidence, and investor trust.

In moments when national systems are under strain, business leaders have an opportunity to prove that resilience is more than a slogan. It’s a strategy. And it starts with putting science and people first.

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Stephen Massey is a social impact entrepreneur and corporate communications expert who co-founded Meteorite, the firm behind the Health Action Alliance. Massey has led global campaigns on public health, civic engagement, and climate change, and previously served as a White House National Security Fellow in the Clinton Administration.