Leading Businesses Join New Initiative To Respond to Extreme Weather Risks to Workers

Rhea-AI Summary

The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is a supporting partner in Extreme Weather + Work, a Health Action Alliance initiative presented by Mercer to help employers prepare for extreme weather risks to workers. The program launches with 11 founding employers, free tools, peer learning, and expert resources to close sizeable readiness gaps.

Polling found >80% of U.S. workers faced weather disruptions and only 4% of employers have assessed those risks.

Positive

• Supported by Mercer and The Hartford, lends industry credibility
• Launch includes 11 founding member employers across sectors
• Free employer tools like Climate Health Cost Forecaster available
• Peer-learning and Workforce Resilience Labs offer practical implementation

Negative

• 80%+ of U.S. workers experienced weather-related job disruptions
• Only 4% of employers have assessed extreme weather risks to workers
• Just 25% of workers believe their employer is prepared
• 2025 saw 23 billion-dollar weather disasters, including record wildfire cost

News Market Reaction – MRSH

+1.19%

12 alerts

+1.19% Session close to close

$88.60B Market Cap

0.4x Rel. Volume

In the Apr 15 session, MRSH gained 1.19%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction. Our momentum scanner triggered 12 alerts that day, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement underscores Marsh’s role, through Mercer, in addressing extreme weather risks to w...

Analysis

This announcement underscores Marsh’s role, through Mercer, in addressing extreme weather risks to workers via the Extreme Weather + Work initiative. It highlights that more than 80% of surveyed workers faced weather-related disruptions while only 4% of employers had assessed such risks. Set against MRSH trading below its 200-day MA and roughly 10.59% under its 52-week high, investors may track how these climate and workforce offerings translate into client demand, retention, and broader strategic positioning.

Key Figures

Workers with disruptions: More than 80% Employers assessing risks: 4% Major weather disasters: 23 events +5 more

8 metrics

Workers with disruptions More than 80% U.S. workers experiencing at least one extreme weather-related disruption in past year

Employers assessing risks 4% Employers that have assessed extreme weather risks their workers face

Major weather disasters 23 events U.S. weather disasters in 2025 each costing more than a billion dollars

Worker confidence One in four workers Share of workers who believe employer is prepared for future extreme weather

Founding member companies 11 companies Initial members of the Extreme Weather + Work initiative

Employer network size More than 11,000 employers Broader Health Action Alliance network reach

Polling sample size 1,314 employed adults National polling conducted in March 2026 in the U.S.

Price vs 52-week high -10.59% MRSH position relative to 52-week high before this news

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Apr 09 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Apr 09	Fundraising milestone	Positive	-1.5%	Mercer closes PIP VIII with over $3.8B in capital commitments.
Apr 09	Market context note	Neutral	-1.5%	NYSE advisory highlights sustainability summit and broader market context.
Apr 07	Acquisition news	Positive	-1.2%	Marsh McLennan Agency acquires Seitz Insurance Agency in Montana.
Apr 07	Survey findings	Neutral	-1.2%	Oliver Wyman Forum and NYSE release CEO survey on disruption and AI.
Mar 31	Leadership change	Neutral	-0.7%	Marsh appoints Ted Moynihan as President and CEO of consulting unit.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent corporate and strategic news has often been followed by modest negative price reactions, indicating a tendency for subdued or contrarian trading around announcements.

Recent Company History

Over the past few weeks, Marsh and its affiliates reported several corporate developments, including the April 9, 2026 close of Mercer’s PIP VIII fund with over $3.8 billion in commitments, the April 7, 2026 acquisition of Seitz Insurance Agency, and leadership changes on March 31, 2026. Despite generally constructive strategic news, 24-hour price reactions after these events were modestly negative, framing today’s workforce-focused climate initiative within a pattern of cautious market responses.

Key Terms

extreme weather, climate-related health conditions, respiratory issues, infectious disease, +4 more

8 terms

extreme weather technical

"extreme weather-related disruption on the job in the past year"

Extreme weather means unusually severe or sudden atmospheric events—such as intense storms, heat waves, floods, droughts or cold snaps—that exceed typical local conditions. It matters to investors because these events can abruptly damage assets, disrupt supply chains and production, raise insurance and recovery costs, and change consumer demand, like a sudden storm hitting a business and forcing unexpected repairs and lost sales.

climate-related health conditions medical

"benefits cover and manage climate-related health conditions such as respiratory issues"

Health problems caused or worsened by changes in the climate and its effects — for example heat-related illness, worsening asthma from air pollution, infectious diseases spread by mosquitoes, and mental health impacts after extreme weather. These conditions matter to investors because they can change healthcare costs, worker productivity, insurance losses, and consumer demand, similar to how rising water levels gradually force businesses to relocate or reinforce operations.

respiratory issues medical

"manage climate-related health conditions such as respiratory issues and infectious disease"

Respiratory issues are problems affecting the lungs and airways that make breathing difficult, ranging from mild infections and inflammation to chronic conditions that impair oxygen flow. Investors care because these conditions can change demand for drugs, medical devices, hospital services and workforce availability, influence clinical trial results and regulatory attention, and affect costs and revenue—like a sudden weather change that alters both travel plans and local businesses' operations.

infectious disease medical

"health conditions such as respiratory issues and infectious disease"

An infectious disease is an illness caused by germs—such as bacteria, viruses or other microbes—that can spread from person to person or between animals and people, like a small fire that can jump from one object to another. Investors care because outbreaks can change consumer behavior, disrupt workforces and supply chains, shift demand for products and services, and trigger government action or regulatory scrutiny that affects company revenues and costs.

occupational health and safety technical

"leaders across business functions — HR, benefits, occupational health and safety, risk management"

Occupational health and safety covers the policies, practices and equipment a company uses to keep employees safe and healthy at work, preventing injuries, illness and hazardous exposures. For investors it matters because good safety programs reduce legal and medical costs, limit downtime and protect a company’s reputation—much like regular maintenance on a car prevents expensive breakdowns and keeps it running reliably.

risk management financial

"HR, benefits, occupational health and safety, risk management, security, sustainability"

Risk management is the ongoing process of identifying potential events or conditions that could reduce an investment’s value, measuring how likely and how severe those losses could be, and putting controls in place to limit harm—like spreading money across different assets, setting loss limits, or buying insurance. For investors it matters because it turns uncertainty into a manageable plan, helping preserve capital and steady returns much like a seatbelt or a spare tire reduces the downside of unexpected problems.

View in glossary

climate health cost forecaster technical

"open-access tools like Mercer's Climate Health Cost Forecaster and Climate and Worker Health Scorecard"

A climate health cost forecaster is a tool or model that estimates how weather changes and climate-driven events—like heatwaves, floods, and spread of disease—will increase medical and public-health expenses over time. Investors use it like a weather report for future health spending: it helps predict hidden financial risks and opportunities in sectors such as insurance, healthcare, utilities, and governments by translating environmental trends into likely cost impacts.

climate and worker health scorecard technical

"Mercer's Climate Health Cost Forecaster and Climate and Worker Health Scorecard"

A climate and worker health scorecard is a concise evaluation that rates a company’s policies and performance on environmental impact and employee safety/well-being, similar to a report card that combines air/waste footprint and workplace conditions. Investors use it to gauge long-term risks and opportunities—companies with weak scores may face regulatory fines, higher costs, or reputational damage, while strong scores can signal operational resilience and lower hidden liabilities.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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NEW YORK, April 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 80% of U.S. workers experienced at least one extreme weather-related disruption on the job in the past year, reveals new polling from the National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health. Yet just 4% of employers have assessed the extreme weather risks their workers face, according to Mercer.

To close that readiness gap, the Health Action Alliance is launching Extreme Weather + Work, a new initiative presented by Mercer, a business of Marsh (NYSE: MRSH), with support from The Hartford (NYSE: HIG). Through peer-learning communities, practical guidance built for employers, and expert-informed resources, Extreme Weather + Work helps companies support their people before, during, and after extreme weather events.

In 2025, the United States experienced 23 weather disasters that cost the economy more than a billion dollars each, one of which was the costliest wildfire in the nation's history. Only one in four workers polled in March believe their employer is prepared for what's ahead.

"Extreme weather is becoming a persistent, year-round challenge for both employers and workers," said David Leathers, Director of Extreme Weather + Work at the Health Action Alliance. "Workers are affected whether they're facing extreme heat on a construction site or trying to get to the office after a flood. Right now, there is a growing gap between the scale of this challenge and how prepared most companies are. That's what Extreme Weather + Work is here to change."

"Employers are trying to close the readiness gap. Mercer's upcoming People Risk Survey showed HR and Risk Professionals believe their organization should prioritize helping employees secure sufficient insurance against extreme weather threats and ensuring benefits cover and manage climate-related health conditions such as respiratory issues and infectious disease," said Tracy Watts, Sr. Partner, Mercer. "Extreme Weather + Work is built to help employers turn these priorities into practical action — so resilience is embedded in workforce strategy, benefits, and preparedness plans before the next event hits."
 

The initiative launches with 11 founding member companies working to define employer readiness across industries, including: Bristol Myers Squibb, CVS Health, Disney, Elevance Health, Google, GroundGame.Health, Hackensack Meridian Health, Mercer, Sun Life, and The Hartford. The initiative builds on the broader Health Action Alliance network of more than 11,000 employers, and Extreme Weather + Work learnings will be shared at scale through HAA and partners.

"Protecting our workforce from extreme weather risks is both an operational priority and a responsibility we take seriously," said Dr. Sohini Stone, Google's Chief Medical Officer for Global Employee Health. "Extreme Weather + Work brings together the right people to build the kind of practical, evidence-based playbook that no single employer could create alone."

How Employers Can Engage

Extreme Weather + Work is designed to bring together leaders across business functions — HR, benefits, occupational health and safety, risk management, security, sustainability, and more — and industries, giving them the connections, resources, and community they need to prepare for and respond to extreme weather.

Any employer can engage with the initiative and access free resources, including function-specific guidance and open-access tools like Mercer's Climate Health Cost Forecaster and Climate and Worker Health Scorecard, which help employers identify key climate risks to employees, estimate the impact of extreme weather on their health care costs, and assess their ability to mitigate those risks. Employers can also request an invite for membership to access peer learning, exclusive research and insights, expert advisory sessions, and priority access to Workforce Resilience Labs — regional, in-person working sessions where employer teams tackle readiness for the extreme weather events their communities face.

Informed by Leading Experts

Extreme Weather + Work is guided by the National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health, a strategic advisory board co-chaired by Mercer's U.S. and Canada President Susan Potter and former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. Established by the Health Action Alliance in 2024, the Commission helped define the role employers play in preparing for and responding to extreme weather, drawing on expertise from across business, public health, and policy. Commissioners include business executives, experts in public health and climate, and leaders from prominent organizations, including the de Beaumont Foundation, American Public Health Association, Atlantic Council, La Isla Network, Trust for America's Health, and more.

Get Involved

Employers can learn more, access free resources, and explore membership at extremeweatherandwork.org.

National polling of 1,314 employed adults in March 2026 in the U.S. conducted by the National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health in partnership with Switch 5 (formerly Northwind Climate).

About the Health Action Alliance

The Health Action Alliance is the nation's largest employer network advancing public health. We help companies navigate evolving health challenges, strengthen workforce well-being, and partner with public health organizations to build stronger, healthier communities. Founded in 2021 by the Ad Council, Business Roundtable, CDC Foundation, the de Beaumont Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, HAA's network has grown to more than 11,000 employers nationwide, collectively reaching over 50 million workers and their families. We believe good health is good business, and we equip employers with the tools, partnerships, and strategies to deliver on that promise.

About Extreme Weather + Work

Extreme Weather + Work is an initiative of the Health Action Alliance. We bring together leaders who rarely sit in the same room and connect them with peers across industries, giving them the research and tools they need to support their people before, during, and after extreme weather. Extreme Weather + Work is presented by Mercer, a business of Marsh, with support from The Hartford.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leading-businesses-join-new-initiative-to-respond-to-extreme-weather-risks-to-workers-302742576.html

SOURCE Health Action Alliance

FAQ

What is Extreme Weather + Work and how does it involve HIG (NYSE: HIG)?

Extreme Weather + Work is an employer-focused initiative to improve workforce climate readiness. According to the company, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) supports the program alongside Mercer, providing resources, founding-member collaboration, and pathways for employers to access free tools and peer learning.

How can employers use Mercer's Climate Health Cost Forecaster through Extreme Weather + Work?

Employers can use the Forecaster to estimate climate-linked health cost impacts on their workforce. According to the company, the tool is open-access and helps quantify potential healthcare cost exposure from extreme weather for planning and benefits design.

Which employers joined as founding members of Extreme Weather + Work on April 15, 2026?

Eleven founding members span healthcare, tech, retail, and finance sectors. According to the company, members include Bristol Myers Squibb, CVS Health, Disney, Elevance Health, Google, GroundGame.Health, Hackensack Meridian Health, Mercer, Sun Life, and The Hartford.

What evidence shows a readiness gap in employer preparedness for extreme weather?

Polling shows a substantial preparedness gap among U.S. employers and workers. According to the company, more than 80% of workers faced weather disruptions while only 4% of employers have assessed extreme weather risks to employees.

How can employers participate in Workforce Resilience Labs offered by Extreme Weather + Work?

Employers can request membership and priority access to regional in-person Workforce Resilience Labs. According to the company, labs are working sessions where employer teams address local extreme weather readiness with expert facilitation and peer collaboration.

Will resources from Extreme Weather + Work be freely available to all employers?

Yes, core resources are open-access to employers interested in preparedness. According to the company, free guidance, function-specific tools, and scorecards are available, while membership adds peer learning and exclusive advisory sessions.