International SOS, a global leader in medical and security risk mitigation, has introduced Psychological Support Sessions, a structured and expert-led wellbeing programme. This initiative aims to help organisations across India and the broader region deliver timely, meaningful, and scalable psychological support to employees affected by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
A Strong Operational Response Highlights a Deeper Need
Since the escalation of the conflict, International SOS has maintained 24/7 on-ground support. It has managed over 4,540 cases, assisted more than 1,390 client organisations, and coordinated the evacuation of over 1,370 individuals via land and air.
In addition, the organisation has ensured continuous operational readiness through regular security briefing webinars and real-time alerts. However, this sustained response has revealed a critical gap—while physical safety remains essential, organisations must also address the growing psychological burden on employees.
Addressing the Hidden Psychological Impact
Employees across India, especially those connected to the Middle East, face ongoing stress, uncertainty, and anxiety. Even those far from conflict zones experience disrupted focus and emotional strain. Therefore, organisations must expand their Duty of Care beyond physical safety to include mental wellbeing.
Jerome Le Jehan, Managing Director Consulting International at International SOS, emphasised this need. He stated that employees are navigating prolonged crisis not just as professionals but also as individuals and caregivers. He further highlighted that psychological support is no longer optional but a critical component of organisational responsibility.
Programme Structure and Key Features
To address these challenges, International SOS has designed the programme as a six-week series comprising six 30-minute sessions. Qualified psychologists with crisis experience lead these sessions, ensuring clinical depth and practical relevance.
Moreover, the sessions are recorded, allowing flexible access across time zones, roles, and seniority levels.
Core Topics Covered
The programme focuses on practical strategies, including:
- Regaining control in uncertain situations
- Managing information overload and excessive news exposure
- Addressing sleep disruption and promoting recovery
- Supporting parents, caregivers, and vulnerable family members
- Coping with prolonged uncertainty
- Balancing personal stress while supporting others
Designed for Organisational Impact
Importantly, the programme caters to organisations seeking structured and credible wellbeing solutions. It supports employees living in, deployed to, or psychologically affected by the Middle East crisis.
Furthermore, it enables organisations to demonstrate a proactive and visible Duty of Care. Instead of relying on fragmented wellbeing communications, companies can adopt a consistent, expert-led approach that addresses stress, uncertainty, and emotional fatigue at scale.
Immediate and Scalable Availability
As per the press release, the Psychological Support Sessions programme is now available across India and South Asia. Organisations can deploy it immediately and scale it globally to support large and distributed workforces.