INCORPORATION OF TELEWORK INTO CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS PLAN
Agencies with effective telework programs are more resilient in the face of external disruption such as natural disasters, severe weather, or terrorist action. In recent years there have been catastrophic events resulting in organizations experiencing lost productivity due to workers being unable to reach their offices and carry out their job functions. These disasters have brought to light the importance that teleworking will have on every organization in the future.
Agencies need to prepare emergency contingency plans that will enable them to continue critical business processes in order to prevent losses in productivity and performance, even when unforeseen events displace large numbers of their workers from their offices. Teleworking is one way that organizations can achieve this goal. With a telework program in place, agencies can make this transition more easily and avoid being blind-sided by the events. For some agencies, the telework option provides the most functional, and least expensive, option for continuity of operations. It allows the organization the flexibility to:
• work from any location
• react immediately
• maintain employee productivity
A formal telework program should be a crucial part of any disaster recovery plan. A telework program can also have a significant impact in the event of a pandemic/H1N1 flu situation occurring by decreasing the spread of contagious diseases in the workplace. If employees are not mingling with other people, yet still able to be productive under the circumstances - fewer employees would be impacted.
INTEGRATE TELEWORK INTO BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING
Integrating telework into the organizations COOP (Continuity of Operations) Plan is critical to allow an agency or organization to continue its essential operations in case of a major emergency. Following 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina we now realize that it is even more important to have trained staff able to work from home or designated centers during a major disaster and maintain some continuity of operations. The ability to work from an alternate workspace is an integral part of Continuity of Operations preparedness planning.
TECHNOLOGY IS NOT A HUGE BARRIER
Modern technological advances have made it easier to work anytime, anywhere, and any place. There are no real reasons why more people should not telework. While there are still some legitimate issues with technology, the majority of the concerns over information technology and security have been addressed and overcome. The concept of teleworking is not only compelling, it is inevitable.
PANDEMIC AND SWINE FLU OUTBREAK
“Companies that have solid telework plans in place are in good shape,” says Chuck Wilsker, president and CEO of The Telework Coalition in Washington, D.C. Those that aren't prepared to have employees work offsite may find operations at a standstill if the swine flu threat were to escalate to the point of widespread absenteeism or building closures. "This is a really lousy economic time for businesses to have to go cold turkey and not be able to carry on," Wilsker says.
Companies need to prepare emergency contingency plans that will enable them to continue critical business processes in order to prevent losses in productivity and performance, even when unforeseen events displace large numbers of their workers from their offices. Teleworking is one way that organizations can achieve this goal. With a telework program in place, organizations can make this transition more easily and avoid being blind-sided by the events. For some organizations, the telework option provides the most functional, and least expensive, option for continuity of operations.
REAL SITUATIONS…REAL RESULTS
Government agencies and private businesses are quickly realizing benefits from their telework program as it relates to continuity of business planning. They can recoup the costs of their business continuity planning through reductions in overhead costs, increased ability to attract and retain top talent, and increased retention.
There are many case studies that confirm the success of integrating telework into COOP/preparedness planning. Sun Microsystems, Inc, The Federal Judicial Center, Internal Revenue Service, and Bureau of Labor Statistics are just a few. The Virginia Department of Taxation experienced a potentially disastrous situation when the air condition unit failed at one of our facilities in the summer of 2006. They were quickly able to send employees home to telework and relocate other employees to another facility and resume providing service to the taxpayers of Virginia. Preparing for disaster recovery in advance allowed the agency to more efficiently handle a difficult situation.
Contact Mack Global Consulting at +1 804-836-8858 to find out more about how you can effectively integrate telework into your COOP plan.
LINKS TO ARTICLES ON BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING WITH TELEWORK:
Swine Flu article
PC World article
Chief Home Officer article
Telework Exchange article
VOIP Services article
SF Gate article