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Category Archives: Workplace Recovery

  HomeDSM Group   : :   Workplace Recovery
spitfire corona
Posted on By Author DSM Group Categories Business Continuity, Workplace Recovery

Work Area Recovery: Adapting to a New Era of Business Continuity

In the rapidly evolving landscape of business continuity planning, work area recovery (WAR) is experiencing a notable resurgence, albeit in a transformed and modernised format. Traditionally, work area recovery involved providing large, pre-equipped office spaces where businesses could relocate their employees in the event of a disaster. Today, however, the demand is shifting towards fewer but more dedicated positions, reflecting the changing needs and expectations of companies in a world shaped by new technological advancements and the lessons learned from recent global disruptions.

The Evolution of Work Area Recovery

Historically, work area recovery solutions were designed to cater to mass relocations, ensuring that large teams could seamlessly transition to an alternative worksite if their primary office was compromised. These facilities were equipped with desks, computers, telecommunication equipment, and other essentials to maintain business operations without significant downtime. The model was built on the assumption that proximity and physical presence were paramount to effective recovery.

However, the paradigm has shifted. Modern businesses are increasingly leveraging digital tools and remote working capabilities, which has reduced the necessity for large-scale physical relocations. This evolution is driven by several factors:

  1. Technological Advancements: The proliferation of cloud computing, virtual private networks (VPNs), and advanced communication platforms has enabled employees to work from virtually anywhere. This flexibility has diminished the reliance on traditional office environments for daily operations.
  2. Remote Work Culture: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work practices. Companies and employees have become accustomed to working remotely, and many have discovered that productivity can be maintained or even enhanced outside the traditional office setting.
  3. Cost Efficiency: Maintaining large-scale recovery sites is expensive. By focusing on fewer, more strategic positions, businesses can optimise costs while still ensuring critical functions are supported during a disaster.

The Modern Approach to Work Area Recovery

Today’s work area recovery solutions are more targeted and efficient, emphasising dedicated positions that cater to the specific needs of critical business functions. Here are some key trends shaping this new approach:

  1. Dedicated Recovery Positions: Instead of vast office spaces, companies are now seeking smaller, dedicated areas tailored to essential teams. These positions are equipped with the necessary tools and infrastructure to support key personnel who are vital to maintaining operations during a crisis.
  2. Hybrid Models: Businesses are adopting hybrid recovery models that combine physical workspaces with robust remote work capabilities. This approach allows flexibility, enabling companies to scale their recovery efforts based on the nature and severity of the disruption.
  3. Enhanced Technological Infrastructure: Modern work area recovery sites are equipped with advanced technology, including high-speed internet, secure VPN access, and state-of-the-art communication tools. These facilities ensure that critical employees can perform their duties without interruption, even if they are away from the main office.
  4. Geographic Distribution: To mitigate risks associated with regional disasters, companies are diversifying their recovery sites across multiple locations. This geographic distribution ensures that even if one area is affected, operations can continue from another site.

The Office as a Safe Haven in Disasters

Despite the rise of remote work and technological advancements, the physical office still holds significant importance in disaster scenarios. Here’s why the office is often the place to be during a crisis:

  1. Controlled Environment: Offices are equipped with reliable infrastructure, including power backup systems, secure networks, and controlled access. This controlled environment is crucial during disasters when external resources may be compromised.
  2. Centralised Resources: Offices house critical resources, such as servers, data storage, and specialised equipment that cannot be easily replicated in a home setting. Having these resources in a centralised location ensures quick access and better management during emergencies.
  3. Collaboration and Communication: In high-stress situations, face-to-face interaction can significantly enhance communication and collaboration. The office environment fosters real-time problem-solving and decision-making, which is vital for effective disaster management.
  4. Security and Compliance: Certain industries, such as finance and healthcare, have stringent security and compliance requirements. Offices are designed to meet these standards, providing a secure environment for handling sensitive information and ensuring regulatory compliance even during disruptions.

The Role of Business Continuity Planning

The resurgence and evolution of work area recovery are closely tied to broader business continuity planning (BCP) strategies. Effective BCP involves comprehensive risk assessments, identifying critical business functions, and developing detailed recovery plans that encompass both physical and digital environments.

  1. Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Companies must conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. This includes evaluating natural disasters, cyberattacks, and other disruptions that could impact operations.
  2. Critical Function Identification: Not all business functions require immediate recovery. Identifying and prioritising critical functions ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, focusing on areas that are essential for maintaining operations.
  3. Integrated Recovery Plans: Modern BCP strategies integrate physical and digital recovery plans. This holistic approach ensures that businesses are prepared for a wide range of scenarios, from physical damage to cyber incidents.
  4. Regular Testing and Updates: Business continuity plans must be regularly tested and updated to reflect changing circumstances. This includes conducting drills, reviewing and updating contact information, and ensuring that all employees are aware of their roles and responsibilities during a disaster.

Work area recovery is making a significant comeback, but in a form that aligns with the modern business environment. The emphasis on fewer but dedicated positions, coupled with hybrid models and advanced technological infrastructure, reflects a strategic shift towards more efficient and resilient recovery solutions. The office, despite the rise of remote work, remains a critical component in disaster scenarios due to its controlled environment, centralised resources, and ability to facilitate real-time collaboration and communication.

As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of the modern world, the integration of advanced work area recovery solutions into comprehensive business continuity planning will be essential. By staying ahead of the curve and adapting to new challenges, companies can ensure they are well-prepared to maintain operations and serve their clients, no matter what disruptions they may face.

hawkernew
Posted on By Author DSM Group Categories Workplace Recovery

Navigating the Post-COVID Workplace: Resurgence, Downsizing, and the Importance of Unity

As organisations worldwide navigate the complexities of the post-COVID era, the workplace is undergoing a profound transformation. While there is a resurgence in workplace recovery initiatives, fuelled by a renewed emphasis on employee well-being and flexibility, some companies are downsizing due to the widespread adoption of remote and hybrid work models. Simultaneously, there is a heightened recognition of the importance of a cohesive team presence, particularly in emergency scenarios.

The Impact of Remote Work and Downsizing:

  1. Downsizing in the Wake of Remote Work:
    • The widespread success of remote work during the pandemic has led some organisations to reevaluate their physical office spaces. In a bid to cut costs and adapt to evolving work preferences, companies are downsizing office footprints, embracing fully remote models, or adopting hybrid work arrangements.
  2. Shifts in Company Culture:
    • The shift to remote and hybrid work has necessitated a reevaluation of company culture. Organisations are exploring innovative ways to foster a sense of belonging and collaboration among team members who may be physically dispersed.
  3. Challenges of Downsizing:
    • While downsizing may bring financial benefits, it also poses challenges such as maintaining team cohesion, preserving corporate culture, and ensuring effective communication in virtual environments.

The Role of Physical Presence in Emergency Scenarios:

  1. Emergency Preparedness and Unity:
    • One of the lessons learned from the pandemic is the importance of team unity in emergency scenarios. While remote work has proven its viability, certain situations may require a collective, on-site response. Organisations are recognising the need to strike a balance between remote flexibility and the importance of having a team physically present when urgent situations arise.
  2. Hybrid Models for Emergency Response:
    • Some companies are adopting hybrid models that combine remote flexibility with periodic in-person gatherings to enhance team cohesion. This approach ensures that teams are well-prepared to respond effectively to emergencies, leveraging the benefits of both remote and in-person collaboration.

Conclusion:

The post-COVID workplace landscape is complex, with organisations simultaneously embracing remote work, downsizing physical office spaces, and recognising the importance of a united team presence in emergency scenarios. Striking the right balance between flexibility and cohesion is key to navigating these challenges successfully. As workplace recovery initiatives evolve, companies must remain agile, adapting their strategies to the dynamic needs of the workforce and the demands of an ever-changing business environment.

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home working
Posted on By Author DSM Group Categories blog, Covid-19, Workplace Recovery

Covid-19 – Home Working v Workplace Recovery

The covid-19 pandemic was/is not a ‘normal’ disaster; a normal disaster generally affects a single company whereby it is left unable to trade (normally) and amongst other things, faces loss to its competitors.   Covid-19 affected the majority of businesses and thus competitors were also closed or subject to equally disruptive service offerings. There was hence no benefit to look for alternatives – none were available.

Home working whilst popular is beginning to show its foibles.  De-centralised working in terms of technology alone is hugely problematic and requires significant and continued investment and management;  The social aspect is the subject matter of many professional scholars with numerous articles circulating; Those relating to BC focus on the cost comparison of the increased HR + IT requirement against  that of an out-sourced BC contract;  a quote taken from a recent media posting provides a view:  “Each home has its differences, each person has their differences. Combine the two and multiply by the additional tasks needed per ‘home-working-employee’ and there you have an immense management requirement which continues almost infinitum. Each house move, each home improvement, each new employee, necessitates some employer involvement.  Even in times of economic calm, the involvement is likely to cause constant grief for the employer, throw in an unforeseen event, when it is critical that differences make no difference, and the potential for business damaging mayhem is all too apparent”

Other studies have focused on well-being and in particular mental health issues brought about by isolation which is widely publicised as being on the increase.  Managing such issues in a centralised office is demanding enough but doing so on a widespread campus of decentralised home workers is fraught with complexities for which the employer is responsible and liable. Again, the problems of management become magnified when dealing with a company-wide crisis brought about by an unforeseen event.

Lockdown closed/disrupted 99% of businesses.  Everyone became frustratingly patient – but this was because they had no choice;  In a ‘normal’ crisis – where only one or a few businesses are affected – the ‘frustratingly patient’ person no longer remains ‘as patient’ – why? Because there is choice; The businesses that are closed, risk losing business to those that are open.  This is evident when seeking to buy something as simple as a sandwich; if your normal sandwich shop is closed, you’ll go elsewhere – you won’t wait.

In a ‘normal’ crisis the first few days, leading up to the first few weeks are critical.  Decentralise people with decentralised systems and there lays a good recipe for disaster. Essentially decentralising anything creates additional tasks; and no matter how much automation or planning is engaged, it is extremely unlikely the overall tasks will ever be less or even close to those of a centralised version or error free.  Keeping tasks to a minimum (and simple) in a crisis is paramount to success. Ideally the task is singular – invoke contract and carry on with business (as normal).   Centralising as much as possible is absolutely key to a smooth transition from normal-to-crisis-to-normal.

DSM’s view:  Home working is an essential BC tool – it’s one spanner of a set – however, it isn’t a spanner that fits all. Try to make it fit all and serious damage may result.

Please note: All DSM’s positions are in-line with current UK government & WHO guidelines on Social Distancing.
business continuity
Posted on By Author DSM Group Categories blog, Workplace Recovery

Top Tips For Business Continuity Management

The why and how of introducing a Business Continuity Management strategy
Business Continuity involves building resilience in your organisation by identifying its key products and services and the critical activities that underpin them, then devising strategies so that you can trade through a disruption and recover afterwards.
Most organisations recognise that they should have a Business Continuity plan in place but see it as too expensive and time consuming to address, however this doesn’t have to be the case.
The benefits of introducing continuity awareness within the company far outweigh the risks associated with just hoping bad things won’t happen (although statistically they will!). Companies are looking ever more carefully at their supply chain to identify potential weaknesses and are asking for evidence of a documented and tested strategy to prove service level agreements can be maintained in any event.
The biggest mistake is trying to do the whole process in one fell swoop which, if ever completed, is likely to be a huge document that is put on a shelf and ignored for a few years. By breaking the process down into simple manageable phases where you can tick off the “quick wins” and demonstrate progress you introduce a culture of ongoing review; it is vitally important to constantly update your recovery plans in line with business growth and operational changes.
 
Top tips for Business Continuity Management:
 

  1. Carry out regular risk assessments and take steps to eliminate, or at least minimise, potential threats to the operation of your business.
  1. Consider possible scenarios and analyse their impact on your business – forewarned is forearmed.
  1. Compile an action plan of what should be done in order to maintain Business As Usual in any event. Put formal contracts in place which will enable fast recovery of vital operations.
  1. Document key business processes and ensure no critical activities can be done only by a single individual.
  1. Review the resilience of your suppliers and their capability to meet Service Level Agreements. Consider multiple sourcing to reduce reliance on a single supplier.
  1. Protect your company information and ensure it can be accessed or rapidly restored in any event without compromising on security.
  1. Carry out regular tests to prove you can continue to function should you lose access to your premises or vital services, or in the worst case, your entire business environment.
  1. Encourage all employees to get involved with the preparation and testing of Business Continuity plans so they buy in to the importance of keeping your business alive.

To discuss your Business Continuity strategy further please contact us.
 
 
 

office working
Posted on By Author DSM Group Categories blog, Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery, Workplace Recovery

Reality remains in the office

Working from home – the new normal or the new risk?

So, working from home is the new normal – right? We’ll never go to the office again – really?  The kitchen worktop or the chest of drawers in the spare bedroom makes for a great office – yes?  The kids screaming– isn’t an issue, the cat/dog pawing at your leg doesn’t intrude on your train of thought or interrupt the flow of the important client meeting on Zoom or Teams?  All is sweet then – carry on!

If you’re fortunate to have an office at home you may be spared some of these intrusions….  but note….. it’s an ‘office’.  For most, the home ‘office’ is a ‘make do’.  ‘Make do’s are either a pain or a novelty that eventually become a pain.  ‘Make do’ spaces are often a borrowed resource with such borrowing sometimes lasting only minutes.

The current crisis is sure to bring about some changes but, is going to the ‘real’ office a thing of the past?  For many reasons, we think it unlikely – although for sure, on the back of the novelty factor, the ‘we-can-work-from-home’ brigade , which range from those counting the pennies (believing it will save a fortune) to those with imaginations of a paradise, will strive to prove it is the new normal.

So why do we think the ‘real’ office is still here for a while longer……

Well for one, the majority of businesses are technically not ready.  Cyber criminals, though, are very ready!  The ‘real office’ may be well firewalled but, the likelihood of this extending to the home office, is small.  Wrapped within pages of GDPR legislation, businesses have many legal obligations for securing  data – especially that which is personal.  Aside the possibility of all company data being encrypted and ransoms demanded, those that flout the regulations can be heavily fined and Directors held accountable.    Home working – is it the new normal or is it the new  risk – a very big risk!

 

 

 

 

 

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