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The wheels of any organisation are set in motion by its people. While systems, strategies, and bottom lines remain the bedrock, it is people who are the real driving forces behind business continuity and success. Despite this, the element of human factors often lacks attention when it comes to business continuity planning.
The Human Element in Business Continuity Planning
The human element in business continuity planning is often overlooked. Organisations must realise that it’s their people who execute their carefully crafted strategies during a crisis.
This human element encompasses the roles, reactions, and resilience of a team within an organisation. Their understanding of what to do and why they’re doing it in a crisis significantly influences the effectiveness of a business continuity plan.
Acknowledging everyone’s unique insights allows for more effective and holistic planning. Equally critical is effective communication before, during, and after a crisis incident. Everyone should understand their roles, responsibilities, and the impact of their actions on the recovery effort.
Another paramount factor is training and preparation. Regular drills can ensure team readiness and efficiency during a crisis. Additionally, fostering organisational resilience is substantial, that is, cultivating a team that can withstand adversity and recover swiftly.
Taking A People-Centric Approach
A people-centric approach towards business continuity planning is fundamental to ensure successful recovery during a crisis. Such an approach prioritises not only processes and systems, but also the human element that drives all organisational activities.
This strategy begins with fostering a shared understanding of the business continuity plan and its objectives among all individuals. Ensuring everyone has knowledge of their role and actions during a disruptive event contributes to the plan’s efficient execution.
Next, open communication is pivotal. Regular communication outside of crises, bolsters trust within the workforce, resulting in higher commitment and performance during periods of disruption. It acts as a two-way channel, helping leaders gauge team sentiment and adapt accordingly.
Training remains a core component of a people-centric approach. When team members are confidently prepared through regular drills and training sessions, their response during an actual crisis can be swifter and more efficient.
Providing support and care to your team in challenging times can result in increased resilience to adversity. This translates to a quicker recovery from disruptions, with individuals feeling empowered and valued. Embracing a people-centric approach to a business continuity planning allows an organisation to navigate successfully through unforeseen disruptions.
