Nationwide War-Readiness Drills: How Can HR Ease Employee Anxiety and Ensure Well-being?

On May 7, 2025, India conducted its largest-ever civil defense mock drill, Operation Abhyaas, across 244 districts, involving blackout simulations, air raid sirens, and evacuation protocols. Triggered by heightened national security concerns following the April 22nd Pahalgam terror attack, this initiative was led by the Ministry of Home Affairs to boost civilian readiness in case of war or large-scale conflict.

Impact on Employees

While these drills aim to build national preparedness, many employees reported anxiety, panic, and disorientation—especially in metro offices and tech parks where sudden blackouts and sirens disrupted the workday. There was heightened anxiety and fear due to simulated war-like scenarios, disruption of daily routines leading to uncertainty and decreased productivity, and exposure to distressing stimuli, such as sirens and blackout conditions, which can be particularly challenging for individuals with prior trauma or mental health conditions.

Role of HR During Drills

What role should HR play during such drills? Should HR simply follow protocol, or go a step further to manage employee well-being, communication, and mental preparedness?

Follow-up Context for Deeper Discussion

Pre-drill communication was inconsistent across states, with many employees caught off guard, unsure whether it was real or a simulation. Mental health professionals have flagged that simulated war environments can trigger trauma responses, especially in individuals with past exposure to violence or panic disorders. Some progressive companies initiated internal SOPs, providing remote work options, sending pre-drill FAQs, or hosting post-drill mental health webinars. HR teams in regions like Gurgaon and Pune reported that employees working night shifts or on tight deadlines were the most affected.

HR should proactively support employees during nationwide war-readiness drills like Operation Abhyaas by prioritizing their well-being, communication, and mental preparedness. Here are practical steps HR can take:
1. Pre-Drill Preparation:
- Communicate effectively: Ensure clear and timely communication about the upcoming drill, its purpose, and what employees can expect.
- Provide resources: Offer pre-drill FAQs, mental health resources, and support contacts for employees to reach out to.
2. During the Drill:
- Monitor well-being: Assign HR representatives to check on employees' well-being during the drill, especially those known to be more vulnerable.
- Maintain communication: Keep lines of communication open to address any concerns or issues that arise promptly.
3. Post-Drill Support:
- Debrief sessions: Conduct debrief sessions to allow employees to share their experiences, ask questions, and address any lingering concerns.
- Mental health support: Offer access to counseling services or mental health webinars to help employees cope with any distress caused by the drill.
4. Continuous Improvement:
- Gather feedback: Collect feedback from employees to understand their experiences and areas for improvement in handling future drills.
- Update protocols: Use feedback to update internal SOPs and protocols to better support employees in similar situations in the future.

The Importance of Civil Defense Awareness

This is the bona fide duty and responsibility of individuals and establishments to be aware of and educate others about the do's and don'ts during times of war or disasters. Conducting a Civil Defense Mock Drill, a one-hour program for employees, is essential.

Ways to Share Information

You can share this information with employees through WhatsApp, Telegram, and emails by preparing a video on the subject. If a video is not available, you can conduct an online quiz with prizes to ensure that your employees understand the subject.