With the rise of activism and heightened awareness around labor issues, pickets, and protests have become increasingly common near workplaces. Responding effectively requires preparation, strategy, and clear communication. Below are key actions employers can take to address and manage these situations effectively:

1. Identify Potential Events

Proactive monitoring helps you spot early signs of protests. Use social media monitoring tools to track keywords tied to your brand or industry. Establish "listening" for trending topics or phrases hinting at organized disruptions. By identifying mentions and tracking trends, you'll gain early awareness, allowing time for assessment and response planning.

2. Assess the Situation

Once you detect a potential situation, evaluate the level of risk and likely disruption:

• Who is involved? Identify group size, leaders, history, and goals.

• What is the nature of the event? Is it a picket line, sidewalk theater, or a media-centric press event? Each type will impact operations differently.

• Where will it happen? Assess whether the protest will take place on owned, leased, or public property and how close it will be to customers or employees.

Understanding these factors allows you to gauge the potential impact on business operations and tailor your response plan accordingly.

3. Develop a Strategic Plan and Respond

Planning a response involves defining the desired outcomes and aligning internal teams, such as loss prevention, public affairs, and legal. Consider:

• Communication: Ensure that security, management, and response teams are on the same page and have a plan for adapting to changing conditions.

• Safety and Documentation: Prioritize employee and customer safety while documenting events for future response improvements. Proper documentation also provides valuable insights for post-event debriefs and legal purposes.

• Pre-Event Checklist: develop a written plan that defines roles and responsibilities for all members of your response team.

4. Implement the Pre-Event Checklist

Thorough pre-event preparations can significantly reduce disruptions:

• Define Boundaries: Confirm property lines and identify probable picket locations. If a property plat is available, it’s helpful to have one on hand.

• Review Security Needs: Assess whether contracted security or law enforcement officers (LEOs) are required and ensure parking arrangements prevent “ricochet” effects.

• Check Site Functionality: Ensure any available closed-circuit video (CCTV) systems are operational and preemptively limit hand-billing, picketing, filming, or picture-taking on the property.

• Establish Talking Points: While maintaining control is important, it's best to keep direct communication with protestors to a minimum. Having well-prepared talking points can prevent misunderstandings or confrontations.

5. Actions During the Event

During a protest, maintaining order and minimizing interaction can prevent escalation:

• Control Interactions: If a meeting between protestors and management occurs, define location, time, and participant limits. It’s advisable to have law enforcement present to guide and enforce rules, such as prohibiting photography or recording.

• Manage Presence: Ensure staff remains professional, avoids displaying frustration,  displays appropriate demeanor and body language at all times, and limits any engagement that could worsen tensions.

6. Post-Event Follow-Up

After the protest, debrief with involved teams and document the event’s flow, assessing any need for improved strategies or additional training. Evaluate the effectiveness of your response to enhance preparations for potential future events.

Handling protests and pickets can be challenging, but with proper preparation and a strategic approach, employers can maintain operations and uphold safety. By integrating these steps into your crisis response plan, you’ll build resilience, ensuring you are prepared for future disruptions.