The shift to remote work was felt on a massive global scale when COVID-19 broke out. The workforce as we previously knew it would be gone in a matter of weeks. In its place was a “new normal” of video calls, digitally signed documents, and lunch breaks from the comfort of home kitchens.
Such drastic changes forced businesses into immediate preparation mode. Business continuity plans were suddenly at the forefront of every company’s mind. Even major players like Apple and Google had to figure out how to make remote workplaces a reality.
Now that businesses have largely adjusted to this new way of working, it’s important to know when business continuity plans are still relevant or if they’re in need of a revamp. Let’s take a look at what a new business continuity plan might look like as we advance in a post-pandemic world. But first…
What is Business Continuity?
A business or organisation must be able to function and retain control in the event of significant risk or disaster. A variety of risks exist that might cause an organisation to suffer.
These risks include:
- Fires
- Data breaches
- Cyber attacks
- Natural disasters
- Disease outbreaks
- Disruptions in the supply chain
What business continuity does for an organisation is that it helps maintain overall function. It does so both during and after a significant disaster. A proper business continuity strategy establishes processes and procedures to prevent interruptions to a company’s critical services.
A continuity plan is crucial for stabilising operations after disaster strikes. Companies should review and revise their business continuity plans often. Even in a post-Covid world. Knowing how to build continuity plans can help a business stay up and running in the event of unpredictable events.
Post-Covid Business Continuity
A continuity plan is generally a set of documents outlining the processes and procedures needed to keep things up and running. In a post-Covid world, businesses should think about reviewing plans regularly in order to mitigate potential risks.
Continuity plans will vary depending on the industry in which a company operates. However, let’s go over what businesses might want to add to their general plan going forward.
Virtual Workspaces
It almost goes without saying that having a well-functioning virtual work environment is of utmost importance for many businesses today. Having a fully functioning virtual workspace with connectivity should be a part of every business continuity plan.
Continuity can be ensured through steps such as:
- Providing access to software and other critical applications
- Physical laptops or tablets for each employee
- Implementing virtual network connectivity
Most importantly, having the critical online infrastructure in place is crucial for success. It will help businesses meet and exceed goals necessary for the overall success of the business in a post-Covid world. From hybrid workspaces to fully virtual, implementing a solid virtual workspace will help companies ensure business continuity.
Data Security
One of the top priorities for a well-rounded business continuity plan relates to data security. Data protection of company and employee information is crucial to the long-term success of a business.
Security officers and IT administrators all have the valuable job of enabling remote access to a company’s valuable information. IT administrators and managers alike need to prepare in order to keep data protected.
Enabling full remote access comes with its own set of challenges. Steps when planning for business continuity might include:
- Conduct threat assessments
- Go over data inventory
- Check needed hardware, software, and firmware
- Consider data backup capabilities
- Stress test backup and restoration capabilities
With cybercrime on the rise, data security has never been more important. Ensuring proper implementation of a well-rounded security environment should be on every business continuity checklist going forward.
With cybercrime on the rise, data security has never been more important. Ensuring proper implementation of a well-rounded security environment should be on every business continuity checklist going forward.
Command Centres
Implementing failsafe mechanisms will look different for each organisation. Having one central command centre from which planning takes place can help.
A central command centre will function as a way to provide support services. It will create a general infrastructure for the new workspace whether online or in person.
At this operations centre, a few vital items should be looked over and confirmed as part of the new workflow:
- List of working databases
- Contracts
- Intellectual properties
- Policy manuals
- Quality assurance documents
Having a command centre in place will help your business to determine critical operation proceedings. The command centre will be able to come up with solutions for disruptions in service, potential loss of customers, and revenue loss. As well as any other potential by products that may happen as a result of risk.
Regular Testing
While this might seem a little too on the nose, implementing regular testing will help any organisation thrive. Employees and third parties alike need to be fully trained. This includes backup plans and business restoration procedures.
Tests should be done regularly to confirm that any operating systems and overall data sets can be restored in the event of system disruption or failure. Testing can help uncover any gaps or flaws in the new system. This allows organisations to better prepare for recovery in a controlled system.
Looking to Revamp Your Business Continuity Plans?
Hybrid and virtual workspaces have become our new normal. Yet, they’re still characterized by common factors that can be better safeguarded by continuity plans. Information like customer data, employee data, financial information, and intellectual property all need specific plans in place to keep privacy and safety at the forefront of business operations.
If your company is looking to fill any technological gaps brought on by a new workforce landscape, look no further. Our team of technical experts at Koris365 is here to help. We provide solutions at every technical level a company needs to survive. Solutions such as the thorough implementation of cloud-based technology and holistic data security.
Get support now from our expert teams. We look forward to helping your company bring balance and security back to the workplace.