Group of five people smiling while organizing supplies outdoors, with the text "Standing Strong: C&W Services Responds to California Wildfires" overlaid.

As devastating wildfires swept across California, C&W Services mobilized swiftly to safeguard employees, support clients, and assist the broader community. This response reflected the company’s values of care, collaboration, and resilience, guiding comprehensive efforts during this crisis.

Prioritizing Safety and Well-Being

Safety and well-being were top priorities: Regional leaders conducted personal check-ins with all 269 employees across the West GEO and various verticals to confirm their status and provide immediate assistance. Recognizing the critical need for real-time communication during emergencies, they established a dedicated Teams channel connecting California leaders. This hub streamlined updates on fire conditions, coordinating the procurement of crucial supplies and sharing safety protocols.

Team members received timely access to essential resources, including the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), housing support, and temporary shelter at Cushman & Wakefield offices. Working closely with the marketing team, updates were sent directly to personal email addresses to ensure everyone stayed informed and connected. The Employee Assistance Fund offered financial relief to colleagues directly impacted by the fires, reinforcing the company’s commitment to its people.

Supporting the Community

The team’s efforts extended beyond its workforce to the surrounding community. LA leaders organized and participated in a volunteer initiative at a local warehouse, collecting and distributing vital supplies to residents in need. This hands-on involvement underscored the company’s dedication to making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves.

Ensuring Client Continuity

Amid the crisis, teams remained steadfast in supporting client operations. Facilities teams diligently monitored air quality through systematic checks of air handling units, maintained cleanliness, and ensured workspaces were safe for return. These efforts assured clients their sites were in capable hands during uncertain times.

Senior leadership played a pivotal role throughout the response: Charlotte Jensen, Senior Vice President of the West Region and Strategic Partnerships, ensured seamless communication across the organization, and Dina Dygert, Senior Director of Client Services, spearheaded the coordination of resources and logistics alongside the team.

A Unified Response

The response to the California wildfires highlighted the strength of the C&W Services team and its commitment to employees, clients, and communities. By responding proactively and approaching every challenge with compassion, the team demonstrated the power of unity in times of crisis. This collaborative effort reflects the company’s ethos of care, resilience—and making a difference within and beyond the workplace.