Update your business continuity plans, DDM warns

Businesses in the territory are being told to update their business continuity and disaster plans to help minimise disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Acting Director of the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Jasen Penn issued that warning at a stakeholder meeting hosted by the Ministry of Health last week.

Penn noted that the pandemic presents several challenges for businesses and said these include ensuring customer and staff safety, covering shifts for staff who must isolate, as well as anticipating shipping delays for products sought externally. However, the DDM boss told the approximate 300 attendees of the stakeholders meeting that a good continuity plan can protect a business’ bottom line.

“COVID-19 is an evolving situation. Revisit existing plans, update them where you need to, and make sure staff members are familiar with their roles and responsibilities,” Penn said.

He also offered several other specific pieces of advice for the stakeholders that were in attendance. He reiterated that the safety of staff and customers are paramount so business operators must follow the public health guidance for masking, hand hygiene, and social distance.

Penn further said owners must consider cybersecurity, virtual private networks and password access to servers to help protect business data. He advised them to also cross-train employees to ensure coverage of business functions once disrupted and if possible, order goods well in advance as many shipments are delayed by months because of the shortage of workers due to COVID-19 worldwide.

“You should be able to identify the essential services in your organisation; and that will ensure that your business continues once you and your team know who would be the essential parts of the business going forward and how we would make adjustments. Decisions can be made as to which members of the team work virtually. Also, what the staff will need to continue functioning,” Penn added.

Meanwhile, Penn also issued a reminder to business operators that the territory continues to face other threats besides COVID-19. These threats he said are natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes.

“We are living in a truly multi-hazard environment, so it’s important that businesses are prepared to respond to multiple threats at the same time,” he stated.