Business Continuity For Dummies

Provide Clear Guidance to Staff Working in Different Roles

Employees normally know what’s expected of them, understand where they can go for help and appreciate where their role fits into the bigger picture of the company. During a serious disruption, however, all these guides can go missing. The workforce’s priorities are likely to change and people may be working with others they don’t know as well. Working in a different position can cause uncertainty and confusion, and if you aren’t firm, clear and realistic about what you’re asking of people, they waste time as they try to decipher their roles.

During a disruption communicate firmly who’s in charge and where people should turn for help or advice. This is particularly important where roles and responsibilities have changed, and if staff aren’t entirely sure who answers to whom. Ask staff to keep you updated so you know they’re on track, and remind teams where equipment and documents are kept in case staff are working outside of their usual areas.