McLean & Company Advocates for Post-Crisis After-Action Reviews to Build Resilience

Event summary

  • McLean & Company released research on January 29, 2026, emphasizing the importance of after-action reviews (AARs) in turning crises into resilience.
  • Only 34% of HR teams have increased focus on risk mitigation and business continuity, per McLean & Company's HR Trends Survey, 2025.
  • The firm's guide highlights HR's role in fostering rapid learning, strengthening future preparedness, and preserving institutional knowledge through AARs.
  • Psychological safety and follow-through are critical for effective AARs, according to the research.

The big picture

McLean & Company's research underscores a growing gap between the frequency of organizational disruptions and the ability to learn from them. As crises become more common, the firm argues that structured after-action reviews could become a key differentiator for companies aiming to build long-term resilience. The findings highlight HR's evolving role in shaping organizational learning and preparedness, particularly in an era of rapid change.

What we're watching

Adoption Rates
How quickly organizations will integrate structured after-action reviews into their crisis response practices.
HR Leadership
Whether HR teams can effectively drive the cultural shift needed for honest and psychologically safe post-incident reflections.
Outcome Measurement
The pace at which organizations using AARs demonstrate measurable improvements in crisis response and resilience.