As automated IT systems grow more prevalent, a variety of crucial business processes are increasingly handled by these technologies to enhance speed, ease, and resilience. Nonetheless, human input and unique skills remain vital for maintaining business continuity.
Understanding People-Centered Business Continuity
People play an essential role in holding an organization together, making their involvement crucial in addressing disruptions. While processes, technology, and facilities are important, human collaboration is necessary to unify these elements effectively.
In the event of a crisis, the organization’s priorities should include evaluating the impact on personnel and taking measures to ensure their safety. Examples of these actions include implementing evacuation or shelter-in-place strategies. A response to a disruptive situation is largely contingent on the presence and engagement of people.
Decision-making regarding the activation of business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) plans relies heavily on human input. BCDR team members are tasked with alerting emergency responders, vendors, governmental bodies, stakeholders, and families of employees. They also play a crucial role in managing public communications through various media channels.
Effective execution of BCDR strategies necessitates the participation of individuals in training exercises, plan updates, and briefings for senior leadership and stakeholders.
Practical Applications of People-Centered Business Continuity
The approach to business continuity can vary significantly across organizations, influencing how personnel are involved. In larger companies, this may involve on-site support staff or extensive training sessions, while smaller companies might focus on refining crisis communications to avoid misunderstandings.
To illustrate how people-centered business continuity is implemented, consider the following strategies:
- Prioritizing Safety: Business continuity frameworks should emphasize the safety of employees and stakeholders. This includes developing evacuation plans, maintaining safety equipment, and offering specialized support services such as crisis counseling.
- Communication Frameworks: Keeping all relevant parties informed during and after an event is critical. Emergency Notification Systems (ENS) can facilitate this by disseminating information and receiving confirmatory responses, alongside utilizing diverse communication channels to ensure the clarity and timeliness of messages.
- Support for Remote Work: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the necessity of remote work capabilities. Organizations should consider this option whenever feasible for their workforce.
- Training and Awareness Initiatives: Business continuity strategies must encompass training programs for employees and emergency response teams, ensuring everyone is aware of their responsibilities during crises.
- Succession Planning: Organizations should identify potential leaders for critical roles in the event primary leaders are unavailable, ensuring continuity in leadership and expertise.
- Employee Assistance Programs: Developed alongside HR, these initiatives aim to support staff in navigating a crisis, which may include financial aid, mental health services, and flexible work arrangements.
- Defined Policies and Procedures: Business continuity plans must clearly outline procedures for various emergencies, ensuring employees understand their roles and responsibilities.
- Regular Reviews and Audits: Continuous assessments of business continuity frameworks are essential for effectiveness. Regular plan reviews and audits will help maintain relevance and appropriateness, while ensuring contact information remains updated.
- Commitment to Improvement: Business continuity strategies should be dynamic, with regular evaluations aimed at enhancing processes and practices.
Organizational Benefits
Fostering knowledge and training in business continuity significantly enhances an organization’s resilience during emergencies. Informed employees improve the likelihood of survival during adverse events.
Additionally, cultivating a culture that values business continuity instills confidence in employees and customers, reinforcing the organization’s reputation and credibility.
Evaluating Risks: People vs. Automation
With the increasing integration of AI into BCDR operations, there is a risk of over-reliance on technology during critical disruptions. AI can provide valuable analytics and historical comparisons but lacks the human intuition necessary for nuanced decision-making in emergencies.
Finding a balance between leveraging technological advancements, such as automating alerts or system management, and ensuring that final decisions rest with human expertise is crucial.
Paul Kirvan is an independent consultant, IT auditor, technical writer, editor, and educator with over 25 years in business continuity, disaster recovery, security, and IT auditing.
