By Alastair Youngson, Business Analyst 

February 2020

 

As the Coronavirus outbreak appears to be gaining more traction across Europe, we like many other organisations are taking steps to understand how we will continue to function in the event of tighter restrictions around global travel and trade, alongside safeguarding our employees.

 

Before I start, it is worth mentioning that we have a robust Business Continuity Plan, and ensure that  we complete regular tests in anticipation of such events.  As a Business Continuity specialist who partner with Recoveryplanner, a toolset specifically built for handling such situations, this is to be expected.  For small organisations though who don’t have the bandwidth to plan for events like these, an incident such as the outbreak of Coronavirus could be seriously detrimental.

 

So how do you ensure that the impact of the Coronavirus will be minimalised whilst continuing to operate on a daily basis?  The below list provides an overview of activities to help you to do exactly that.

 

1.       Understanding your Mission Critical Activities.

Know the business critical activities that will allow your business to not only continue to function, but that without which, the business to fail.  We all have elements of our roles which are of course important.  However, if you are reduced to skeleton staff due to sickness, give precedence to the most vital tasks for your organisation.  These may include customer support, invoicing and payroll, whereas scheduled one-to-one meetings, marketing events and other activities can be rescheduled if necessary.

 

2.       Take a view on alternative working arrangements.

With the quarantine in northern Italy in full force many organisations without pre-defined business c continuity plans have no way of ensuring their Mission Critical Activities are functioning as required.  Taking a view now on alternative ways of working, such as remote working or alternative locations should enable a degree of flexibility in the event of a quarantine in your area.  If alternative working arrangements are not an option, think about how you can manage your organisation to limit the potential of mass illness such as shift work.

 

3.       Prepare your employees.

It goes without saying that we should all be following basic hygiene rules such as washing hands thoroughly and using and disposing of tissues hygienically. In addition use this opportunity to ensure your employees fully understand what actions to take should they feel unwell, and your organisational approach around things such as pay and leave.  Providing adequate communication now will reassure your employees that a plan is in place should the situation worsen and an escalation in action be required.

 

4.       Prepare for the unexpected.

Think through what you would need in the event that key members of staff are unable to work.  Providing role-cover where possible will ensure that you are able to pick up quickly where they left off.  This could relate to specific client knowledge, specialised equipment, which should be readily available to all that need it at all times, or access to systems.  Update contact numbers and emergency contact details should the need to use them arise.

 

5.       Don’t Panic.

Despite the potentially worrying situation, the risk of catching Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the workplace is still labelled as low.  This means it is still fairly unlikely to affect your organisation, you personally or your employees.  Preparation though is key and will help to minimise any impact on your organisation.

 

For more information on Coronavirus advice for employers and employees click on the following link https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus.