10 Essential Tips for Ensuring Branch Continuity Over the Holidays
The holiday season is a time of celebration and high demand, but it can also bring unique challenges for credit union branches. From extreme weather to staffing shortages and increased cyber threats, there are numerous factors that can disrupt your operations when you least expect it.
That’s why it’s essential for credit unions to prioritize business continuity during this period. Here are 10 actionable tips to help you keep your operations running smoothly throughout the holiday season.
1. Conduct a Holiday Risk Assessment
Start by identifying the specific risks your branch might face over the holidays. For many, these include increased cyber threats, severe winter weather, and reduced staff availability. Review challenges from previous holiday seasons to spot recurring risks. Identifying these early can help you proactively address vulnerabilities and avoid unnecessary disruptions.
2. Review and Update Your Business Continuity Plan
Make sure your business continuity plan (BCP) is ready to tackle holiday-specific factors, such as staffing shortages and increased demand for certain services. Update contact information for key personnel and vendors, and ensure everyone on your team knows their role. A comprehensive and current BCP is the backbone of effective holiday continuity planning.
3. Prepare for Power Outages and Extreme Weather
Winter months often come with the threat of severe weather and potential power outages. Test your backup power systems to ensure they’re fully operational and stock up on essential supplies like fuel for generators, extra batteries, and necessary cold-weather gear. Setting up a system to monitor severe weather alerts can also help you communicate any operational changes promptly to your team.
4. Strengthen Cybersecurity Measures
The holiday season often sees a spike in cyber threats, from phishing attempts to ransomware attacks. Schedule vulnerability scans, update firewalls, and implement two-factor authentication where possible. It’s also wise to conduct a phishing awareness refresher with your team to remind them of common holiday scams and cybersecurity best practices.
5. Optimize Staffing and Communication
With employees often taking time off, holiday staffing shortages can disrupt operations. Create a clear holiday schedule so everyone knows who’s available and how to reach critical team members. Establish an on-call system for IT, facilities, and other key functions to ensure rapid response to issues, even when staff may be working reduced hours.
6. Ensure Data Backup and Recovery Are Current
Verify that all critical data is backed up and that recovery processes are in place. Perform a quick test, if possible, to confirm that backups are accessible and up to date. Make sure key personnel know how to access backups and conduct data recovery, if necessary, especially if IT staff may not be immediately available during the holiday period.
7. Communicate with Key Vendors and Suppliers
Touch base with key vendors, especially those providing essential products or services, to confirm their holiday availability and response capabilities. It’s also wise to identify backup suppliers in case primary vendors face interruptions or delays.
8. Run a Tabletop Exercise for Seasonal Scenarios
Conducting a tabletop exercise focused on holiday-specific scenarios can prepare your team to handle unexpected situations, such as a power outage during peak hours or a last-minute staffing shortage. Use these drills to clarify roles and responsibilities so that employees feel confident and prepared to respond to real-life incidents.
9. Implement a Clear Member Communication Plan
Prepare templates for communicating with members about potential delays or interruptions during the holiday season. Ensure that customer service channels are accessible and consider setting up holiday-specific FAQs or an automated system to manage high call or retail volumes. Clear, timely communication helps maintain customer trust during times of disruption.
10. Monitor Security Systems
When your branch is closing or operating on limited hours during the holidays, be sure your physical security systems are ready. Verify that alarms, surveillance cameras, and locks are functioning properly. Scheduling regular security checks can help prevent theft or vandalism and keep your premises safe.
Take Action
The holidays are a busy time for everyone, and being proactive with your business continuity strategy can make all the difference. By following these tips, you can better prepare your branch for potential holiday disruptions, ensuring a smooth and secure season for your team and members alike.
Connect with Agility Recovery to learn how they can support your credit union with tailored continuity solutions that prepare you for whatever the holiday season may bring.
