Business Continuity Planning Isn’t Just IT Strategies

Well, That Was a Doozy!

I have always been one to advocate for preparedness and resilience in the face of adversity. As the saying goes though: “experience is the best teacher.” After managing to avoid COVID for years, I finally had my first bout with it and let me tell you, it was a doozy.

For those who've been fortunate enough to avoid it, the symptoms can be debilitating. It's not just a simple cold or a mild flu. The fatigue, the fever, the cough, and the myriad of other symptoms can knock even the strongest among us off our feet. And while I’m on the mend now, the experience gave me a renewed perspective on the importance of infection prevention, especially as flu season rolls around every year.

Our brains are masters of making us forget quickly about the bad things, but flu season happens every year and every year, thousands are hospitalized due to the flu. So here’s your annual reminder that yes, we do need to take steps in the workplace to keep our teams healthy and ensure continuity.

And if you’re wondering what this has to do with business continuity planning… this is it. Continuity isn’t just technology and recovery strategies. It’s people.

Business Continuity Planning Starts With Your People

Education is key

Regularly update your teams on the latest guidelines and updates. Host webinars and share information that is readily available via official channels such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Create opportunities for vaccination

While this topic is unfortunately heavily politicized and opinions vary, provide your teams with opportunities to take some mitigating steps. Consider hosting on-site vaccination clinics or provide scheduling flexibility for employees who choose to get vaccinated.

Flexible work arrangements

If possible, allow employees the flexibility to work from home if they’re feeling unwell. This not only prevents the spread of illness, but also shows employees that their well-being is a priority.

Maintain a clean environment

It should go without saying, but washing your hands is still a thing, and regular cleaning and disinfection of the workplace can significantly reduce the spread of viruses. Provide hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, and masks, and encourage their regular use.

Don’t Just Write the Plan. Rehearse It.

Imagine a scenario where key employees fall sick simultaneously. The ripple effect could be catastrophic, leading to halted operations, missed deadlines, and a potential loss of client trust.

Testing these plans doesn’t mean just running through the motions. It means getting creative and thinking outside the box, and treating business continuity planning like a real-world rehearsal, not a checkbox exercise. Engage teams in role-playing exercises where junior employees step into leadership roles, or where departments swap responsibilities.

This not only ensures the organization is prepared for any eventuality, but also fosters adaptability, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the company’s operations among employees. We should be testing our plans throughout the year, but as we approach flu season, it becomes even more essential to ensure uninterrupted operations.

This is also a practical place to strengthen your risk management approach, because people-related disruptions are predictable, recurring, and absolutely plan-able.

Stay healthy, y’all!