HR: Is Your Organization Prepared?
The terrorism in Time Square, the floods in Tennessee, the terrible hostage situation at the Discovery Channel and many instances of workplace violence are all important reminders that businesses need to establish a Crisis Management and Business Continuity Plan. (CMBCP)
After the 9-11 attacks, most large organizations designed and implemented plans to protect their employees and the company, but many small/mid size organizations have yet to establish an emergency preparedness plan- adopting a “wait & see” approach instead. Many small businesses believe “it won’t happen here” or that “their time and money is better spent on other priorities”.
The fact is that being prepared for an emergency situation can enhance the probability that an organization will survive & recover and increase the odds that employees can return to work and economic stability.
The following are some tips when developing your plan:
- Put your plan in writing- include detailed steps and responsibilities.
- Identify critical employees and make certain they understand what is expected of them.
- Develop a plan that ensures your payroll and HR functions can operate during and after the emergency.
- Clearly communicate your plan to all employees, and customers and vendors if needed.
Although developing a formal, written crisis management plan can be a time consuming process- it is key in protecting your business and getting operations back to normal as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Online Resources:
Institute for Business and Home Safety http://www.disastersafety.org/
Federal Government Disaster Preparedness Site http://www.ready.gov/business/