• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Exclusive

An hour in the Oval Office with President Trump Fortune Editor-in-Chief: Alyson Shontell sat down with President Trump in the Oval Office for an hour. Tariffs, Intel, AI, Boeing, Iran—and the question every CEO eventually has to answer: who's next?

An hour in the Oval Office with President Trump Fortune Editor-in-Chief: Alyson Shontell sat down with President Trump in the Oval Office for an hour. Tariffs, Intel, AI, Boeing, Iran—and the question every CEO eventually has to answer: who's next?

An hour in the Oval Office with President Trump Fortune Editor-in-Chief: Alyson Shontell sat down with President Trump in the Oval Office for an hour. Tariffs, Intel, AI, Boeing, Iran—and the question every CEO eventually has to answer: who's next?

An hour in the Oval Office with President Trump Fortune Editor-in-Chief: Alyson Shontell sat down with President Trump in the Oval Office for an hour. Tariffs, Intel, AI, Boeing, Iran—and the question every CEO eventually has to answer: who's next?

An hour in the Oval Office with President Trump Fortune Editor-in-Chief: Alyson Shontell sat down with President Trump in the Oval Office for an hour. Tariffs, Intel, AI, Boeing, Iran—and the question every CEO eventually has to answer: who's next?

An hour in the Oval Office with President Trump Fortune Editor-in-Chief: Alyson Shontell sat down with President Trump in the Oval Office for an hour. Tariffs, Intel, AI, Boeing, Iran—and the question every CEO eventually has to answer: who's next?

An hour in the Oval Office with President Trump Fortune Editor-in-Chief: Alyson Shontell sat down with President Trump in the Oval Office for an hour. Tariffs, Intel, AI, Boeing, Iran—and the question every CEO eventually has to answer: who's next?

An hour in the Oval Office with President Trump Fortune Editor-in-Chief: Alyson Shontell sat down with President Trump in the Oval Office for an hour. Tariffs, Intel, AI, Boeing, Iran—and the question every CEO eventually has to answer: who's next?

An hour in the Oval Office with President Trump Fortune Editor-in-Chief: Alyson Shontell sat down with President Trump in the Oval Office for an hour. Tariffs, Intel, AI, Boeing, Iran—and the question every CEO eventually has to answer: who's next?

An hour in the Oval Office with President Trump Fortune Editor-in-Chief: Alyson Shontell sat down with President Trump in the Oval Office for an hour. Tariffs, Intel, AI, Boeing, Iran—and the question every CEO eventually has to answer: who's next?

NewslettersFortune CHRO

Major Fortune 500 companies including Cisco and Mattel describe how they’re showing up for Los Angeles-based employees during the fire emergency

By
Brit Morse
Brit Morse
,
Lila MacLellan
Lila MacLellan
, and
Sara Braun
Sara Braun
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Brit Morse
Brit Morse
,
Lila MacLellan
Lila MacLellan
, and
Sara Braun
Sara Braun
Down Arrow Button Icon
January 14, 2025, 8:43 AM ET
burning apartment building during the Palisades fire
Housing supply will become more crunched in Los Angeles as people are dispalced.Getty Images—Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News

Good morning!

Recommended Video

As wildfires continue to plague Los Angeles County after days of blazes that have devastated entire neighborhoods, many employers are rushing to figure out how best to aid employees and their communities.

The fires, which have killed more than 20 people so far, and burned an area the size of San Francisco, may result in damages in excess of $150 billion. More than 180,000 people have been told to evacuate and the event has left many temporarily displaced, without a home, and facing potential financial ruin—especially because large insurers recently dropped coverage in the area.

Employers are required to generally protect workers during a natural disaster under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which can include communicating helpful info and having a plan in place for employees and managers to follow. That said, there’s no rulebook that lays out how companies are supposed to help their employees recover from such a devastating incident.

We reached out to Fortune 500 companies based in Los Angeles County or with a significant number of regional employees to learn more about how they’re showing up for their workers. Here’s what they said.

Cisco

“Our hearts are heavy and go out to all impacted by the Southern California wildfires. Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees and providing them with resources they might need. We continue to reach out to employees in the affected areas to offer our support and assistance including critical time off, mental health support, and sourcing temporary housing. Internally, Cisco has launched an employee giving campaign to provide relief and resources to those in need. Cisco is also prepared to assist as needed with emergency communications and connectivity via Cisco Crisis Response.”

Amgen

“We are deeply saddened by the wildfires in Southern California, a place we have called home for more than 40 years. Our headquarters in Thousand Oaks is currently open, conditions permitting. We are in the process of confirming the safety of all impacted staff and mobilizing resources. The Amgen Foundation is working with nonprofit partners to support urgent relief and recovery efforts in our community. We do not anticipate any impact to our ability to serve our patients.” 

The company has also pledged to give $10 million to people affected to the wildfires, and will match employee donations towards disaster relief.

Salesforce 

Although the software company is based in San Francisco, it has a significant number of employees in the Los Angeles area. The company will provide 24/7 immediate assistance for all employees facing physical security, health, or safety issues. Salesforce plans to make a $1 million donation to support disaster relief efforts, and matches donations made by employees up to $5,000, the company says. Employees that face challenges can also apply to the company’s Hardship Relief Fund which provides tax-exempt grants to those facing financial difficulty.

Snap

While social media giant Snap is keeping their office in Santa Monica open, it’s encouraging team members to work remotely as of late. The company is in touch with those who live in evacuation zones and are looking to provide them with ongoing support including assistance with travel and accommodation. “Thankfully our team is safe and accounted for at this time and we’ll remain ready to help the Los Angeles community in any way we can,” a spokesperson from the company says.

Mattel

“The entire Mattel, Inc. organization grieves with the greater L.A. community and those who have been impacted by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Mattel Children’s Foundation is supporting relief efforts led by many of our longstanding nonprofit partners including the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, The Salvation Army, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Good+Foundation, and Baby2Baby. We are grateful to the heroic firefighters and first responders, as well as community leaders and volunteers, including many Mattel team members who have donated their time and opened their homes to their neighbors and colleagues in need. Our thoughts are with all who are suffering during this unprecedented crisis in our headquarter city. Our support will continue.” 

The Honest Company

“At The Honest Company, we are a community that shows up for each other. As the wildfires continue to affect Los Angeles and surrounding areas, the safety and well-being of our employees and our community is our top priority. We are in constant communication with our team members to ensure they are safe and supported during this time and we have an employee assistance program for mental health support. Our office is not currently in an evacuation zone and remains open as a safe place for employees that need one. We are also working closely with our primary charitable partner, Baby2Baby, to find ways to best support their relief efforts, including donating diapers and personal care items to support those who have been impacted. Baby2Baby has already provided over one million emergency supplies for the most vulnerable children and families who have lost everything.”

Paramount 

Paramount has kept its offices and studio lot open but encouraged employees to work from home or a safe place. Its security operations team is checking in on staffers, while the company has launched a cash grant program that allows employees to tap an employee assistance fund. Workers who feel moved to chip in can donate to the fund and will see their donations matched by the company. The entertainment giant is also assisting employees with lodging and temporary housing needs. While workers can reach out through an employee assistance program for emotional support, the company has also shared a Nickelodeon-created guide for talking to children about the fires. Separately, Paramount is donating $1 million to aid and relief organizations, including World Central Kitchen, and the Best Friends Animal Society, as well as the Red Cross and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. “Our hearts are breaking for everyone impacted in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, including Paramount employees and our friends, partners, and peers in the industry,” the company said in an Instagram post.

After a pause, Paramount Global’s CBS Studios restarted production of its four series filmed in Los Angeles yesterday. Caterers for the shows—namely NCIS, NCIS: Origins, Poppa’s House, and The Neighborhood—prepared boxed meals for first responders, while clothing from the series was gathered for donations.


Also, quick note: Has an employee spoken negatively about your company on social media? We’d love to hear about it and know how your company handled it for a future newsletter. Hit “Reply” or send me a message at brit.morse@fortune.com.

Brit Morse
brit.morse@fortune.com

Around the Table

A round-up of the most important HR headlines.

As wildfires raged across L.A. County, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate, employers have had to manage a difficult balancing act between work and well being, with some shutting down, and others unmoved by worker concerns. Los Angeles Times

According to a new analysis of job postings, one in five advertised listings have been found to be fake or not filled, leaving many candidates feeling stranded as they search for new roles. Wall Street Journal

After a conservative group called the company’s DEI policies risky, Apple’s board asked investors to vote against a proposal change saying it has “appropriate checks and balances in place.” BBC

Watercooler

Everything you need to know from Fortune.

For rent. What should France do with 9 million square feet of vacant office space? —Alex Ledson

Becoming MAGA friendly. While companies and CEOs alike tune themselves to Trump’s new agenda, governance experts say Meta’s latest move adding Dana White to its board of directors showcases a new trend. —Lila MacLellan

Succumbing to RTO. Young adults are warming up to the super commute into work, with many learning to embrace the traditional 9 to 5 for the first time. —Chloe Berger

This is the web version of Fortune CHRO, a newsletter focusing on helping HR executives navigate the needs of the workplace. Sign up to get it delivered free to your inbox.
About the Authors
Brit Morse
By Brit MorseLeadership Reporter
LinkedIn icon

Brit Morse is a former Leadership reporter at Fortune, covering workplace trends and the C-suite. She also writes CHRO Daily, Fortune’s flagship newsletter for HR professionals and corporate leaders.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
By Lila MacLellanFormer Senior Writer
LinkedIn icon

Lila MacLellan is a former senior writer at Fortune, where she covered topics in leadership.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
By Sara BraunLeadership Fellow
LinkedIn iconTwitter icon

Sara Braun is the leadership fellow at Fortune.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Newsletters

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Newsletters

Professional businesswoman working at a desk while interacting with an AI assistant on a tablet screen. The scene shows a modern office environment with notebook, laptop, and digital tools, representing productivity, smart technology, and digital transformation in business. Ideal for concepts related to artificial intelligence, remote work, automation, business innovation, and modern office lifestyle.
NewslettersCFO Daily
CFOs could cut agentic AI costs up to 60% by fixing this overlooked data problem
By Sheryl EstradaMay 19, 2026
17 minutes ago
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in Oakland, California, on May 12, 2026. (Photo: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images)
NewslettersFortune Tech
Musk v. Altman: That’s all, folks
By Andrew NuscaMay 19, 2026
2 hours ago
ESG may be fading—but moral leadership isn’t
NewslettersCEO Daily
ESG may be fading—but moral leadership isn’t
By Diane BradyMay 19, 2026
3 hours ago
Women’s representation on boards of directors falls below 30%—but there’s one bright spot
NewslettersMPW Daily
Women’s representation on boards of directors falls below 30%—but there’s one bright spot
By Emma HinchliffeMay 18, 2026
19 hours ago
US President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick looks on.
NewslettersCFO Daily
Trump’s new corporate playbook: Why the administration is taking equity stakes in companies like Intel
By Sheryl EstradaMay 18, 2026
24 hours ago
A panel on Gen Z workers sit alongside Fortune's Kristin Stoller at the Fortune Workplace Innovation Summit.
NewslettersFortune Workplace Innovation
AI in the workplace is stumbling. Fortune’s Workplace Innovation Summit will dive in to why
By Kristin StollerMay 18, 2026
24 hours ago

Most Popular

The Bezos family just donated $100 million to help achieve one of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s top campaign promises
Politics
The Bezos family just donated $100 million to help achieve one of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s top campaign promises
By Jake AngeloMay 12, 2026
7 days ago
While Trump insisted the Iran war would end ‘soon,’ an account in his name was buying millions in oil, defense and gold
Economy
While Trump insisted the Iran war would end ‘soon,’ an account in his name was buying millions in oil, defense and gold
By Eva RoytburgMay 18, 2026
17 hours ago
Current price of oil as of May 18, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of May 18, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerMay 18, 2026
23 hours ago
EXCLUSIVE: An hour in the Oval Office with the CEO-in-Chief, President Trump
Politics
EXCLUSIVE: An hour in the Oval Office with the CEO-in-Chief, President Trump
By Alyson ShontellMay 18, 2026
1 day ago
Spirit Airlines apologizes to all the Americans who can't afford any summer vacation flights as it shuts down
Travel & Leisure
Spirit Airlines apologizes to all the Americans who can't afford any summer vacation flights as it shuts down
By Rio Yamat and The Associated PressMay 18, 2026
23 hours ago
Mamdani's New York is coming to tax your private jet. Here's how to prepare
Personal Finance
Mamdani's New York is coming to tax your private jet. Here's how to prepare
By Greg RaiffMay 16, 2026
3 days ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.