Disaster Recovery Journal Winter 2022

Updating Your Business Continuity Plan for a Distributed Workforce By KATE FULKERT A s we look at the global risk landscape today, it is striking just how much has changed in the past year, as new threats emerge and evolve constantly. Our task of pro tecting our businesses grows more complex, at the same time these net works and network facilities become more distributed to support work-at-home and hybrid models. Disaster recovery plans must be adapted to meet the challenges – and opportunities – of this dramatic shift in how we work. The war in Ukraine is a good example. In addition to the devastation and tragic loss of human life, the war has surfaced critical business continuity challenges. It has caused the following: n Strained supply chains; restricted commerce in Ukraine and Russia; and limited communications with employees, suppliers, and customers there. n Fueled a refugee crisis, as six million people have fled the war to safe haven in surrounding countries.

But civil unrest extends far beyond Ukraine. The truckers’ strike in Canada brought trade to a standstill. Mass shoot ings are an ever-present threat, especially in the U.S. Economic issues also raise threats. More than 80% of countries around the world are experiencing inflation above 6%, raising the risk of widespread pro tests. Experts say wealthy countries in Europe could see street protests this winter due to rising energy prices. In addition to energy costs, load sharing of power will likely become an issue in some regions, impacting business continuity and further emphasizing the need for communication in companies. Hybrid Work Models Add Complexity – and Benefits For many businesses, work-from-home and hybrid work models which emerged during the pandemic are here to stay – and pose challenges for traditional crisis management strategies. Companies must determine how to: n Track and communicate with distributed employees in an emergency.

n Created an environment that attracts cyber criminals and other bad actors. n Raised the threat of escalation beyond Ukrainian borders. For instance, for the first time in my career, I have received employee questions about how to respond in the event of a nuclear strike.

A year ago, the ongoing pandemic and increasingly common extreme weather events were the dominant issues. While those challenges remain, civil unrest events are taking an increasingly large proportion of crisis management time.

34 DISASTER RECOVERY JOURNAL | WINTER 2022