Business Continuity Planning for Employers

What Is Business Continuity Planning?

A business continuity plan (BCP) outlines how your organization will continue operating during and after a disruption - whether a natural disaster, technology failure, pandemic, or other crisis.

Getting Started

Identify Critical Functions

List all business functions and prioritize them:

• Critical: Must be restored within hours (payroll, customer service, safety systems)
• Essential: Must be restored within days (HR operations, accounting, communications)
• Important: Can wait up to two weeks (training programs, non-urgent projects)
• Deferrable: Can wait until full recovery

Assess Risks

Evaluate threats specific to your organization and locations:

• Natural disasters common to your area
• Technology failures and cybersecurity threats
• Supply chain disruptions
• Loss of key personnel
• Utility outages
• Public health emergencies

Identify Resources

Determine what's needed to maintain critical functions:

• Key personnel and succession plans
• Technology and data backup systems
• Alternative work locations
• Communication systems
• Vendor and supplier alternatives
• Financial reserves

Key Plan Components

Emergency Communication

• Establish a communication chain for reaching all employees
• Maintain updated contact information
• Designate spokespersons for external communications
• Identify backup communication methods

Data and Technology Recovery

• Regular data backups (on-site and off-site)
• Cloud-based systems for remote access
• IT disaster recovery procedures
• Cybersecurity incident response plan

Workforce Continuity

• Cross-train employees on critical functions
• Document key processes and procedures
• Establish remote work capabilities
• Plan for temporary staffing if needed
• Identify essential personnel for each function

Financial Preparedness

• Maintain adequate insurance coverage
• Build cash reserves
• Establish lines of credit
• Document financial recovery procedures

Testing and Maintenance

• Conduct tabletop exercises annually
• Test critical systems recovery regularly
• Update the plan when operations or personnel change
• Review and update contact information quarterly
• Train new employees on their roles in the plan