Business Continuity Tips for Remote and Hybrid Employees
By Agility Recovery
March 15, 2024
In today's interconnected world, organizations rely heavily on technology and remote work arrangements to maintain productivity and competitiveness.
However, unexpected disruptions such as natural disasters, power outages, or cyberattacks can severely impact a credit union's ability to operate effectively. To mitigate these risks, credit unions must prioritize business continuity planning and ensure that remote and hybrid workers have the necessary tools and strategies in place to maintain productivity and minimize downtime during disruptive events. This article provides essential tips and strategies for remote and hybrid employees to help their credit unions maintain business continuity and ensure seamless workflow even in the face of adversity.
What Is Business Continuity?
In today's fast-paced and interconnected landscape, credit unions face a multitude of challenges that can disrupt their operations and jeopardize their ability to deliver critical services. From natural disasters and cyberattacks to pandemics and power outages, the potential threats to business continuity are diverse and unpredictable. Business continuity refers to the proactive measures and strategies a credit union implements to maintain its essential functions and processes in the face of disruptive incidents.
Effective business continuity planning involves a comprehensive approach that encompasses identifying potential risks, assessing their impact on operations, and developing robust plans to mitigate or respond to these disruptions. The goal is to minimize downtime, protect critical assets, and ensure the ongoing delivery of essential services, thereby preserving a credit union's reputation and competitive advantage. The foundation of business continuity lies in the development and implementation of well-defined plans, policies, and procedures. These frameworks outline the specific actions and protocols that employees must follow during disruptive events to maintain productivity and minimize the impact on members and stakeholders. Regular testing and updating of these plans are crucial to ensure their effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
How Business Continuity Impacts Remote and Hybrid Workers
For remote and hybrid workers, business continuity can be particularly challenging. Remote employees often have limited access to the resources and support that they would have in a traditional office setting. This can make it difficult for them to maintain productivity and efficiency in the face of disruptions. For instance, if there is a power outage in their area, remote workers may not be able to access the necessary tools and systems to continue working.
Remote workers are also more susceptible to disruptions to their internet connectivity or power supply. This can be a significant challenge, as a reliable internet connection is essential for remote work. If a remote worker's internet connection drops, they may not be able to access the necessary files or applications to complete their tasks.
Essentials for Remote and Hybrid Workers to Maintain Business Continuity
To ensure smooth continuity of business operations in a remote work setup, severalessential strategies and resources should be in place.
Safe Work Environment
Establishing a safe and conducive work environment is paramount, ensuring that remote workers have the necessary tools and a comfortable space to work effectively. This may involve setting up a dedicated workspace, using ergonomic furniture, and investing in noise-canceling headphones.
Backup Power and Connectivity
Power disruptions can pose significant challenges for remote work. To mitigate this risk, employees should have a reliable backup power source, such as a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) or a portable generator. Additionally, having multiple options for maintaining internet connectivity is essential. This can include a primary wired connection, a mobile hotspot, and/or a USB tethering option. Devices like Agility Recovery's ReadyTechGo can provide both power and connectivity, even during severe weather and blackouts.
Communication
When employees may be working from anywhere, it's critical to ensure you know how to get in touch with them in case of a disaster. A well-structured communications plan should be established, outlining how team members will stay connected and collaborate during disruptions. Additionally, consider implementing a bi-directional form of emergency messaging with multiple modes of communication such as phone, SMS, and email.
Cybersecurity
Remote workers should use a virtual private network (VPN) to secure their internet connection and protect sensitive data. Regularly updating software and operating systems is crucial to maintaining security and ensuring compatibility with essential tools and platforms.
Emergency Kit
Last but certainly not least, every employee should have an emergency kit readily available for them and their loved ones containing essential supplies such as food, water, first aid items, and charging devices.
By implementing these strategies, remote workers can enhance their preparedness and minimize disruptions, ensuring business continuity even in challenging circumstances.
Effective business continuity planning is crucial for credit unions to function smoothly, especially if they have remote and hybrid employees. By identifying potential risks, assessing their impact, and developing strategies to mitigate them, remote workers can significantly contribute to maintaining business continuity.
By utilizing strategies such as creating a safe and conducive work environment, having a backup power source, maintaining multiple internet connectivity options, having a structured communications plan, using a VPN, and preparing an emergency kit, remote employees can minimize disruptions and ensure business continuity even in challenging circumstances. Implementing these measures not only enhances the credit union's resilience but also fosters employee confidence and productivity, ultimately contributing to overall success and sustainability.
Connect with Agility Recovery to learn more.
About Agility Recovery
Through its business continuity management platform, called Agility Central, Agility works to reduce the impact of business interruptions on credit unions and the communities they serve. They help businesses be prepared before, during, and after an incident happens. After decades of helping businesses recover from real disasters and streamline emergency preparedness and incident response, they bring the collective experiences of thousands of hours in the field.