Surviving a storm: the importance of recovery planning

In an era where the unexpected has become the norm, businesses are increasingly recognising the necessity of being prepared for any eventuality. A greener workplace isn’t just about environmental sustainability, it’s also about ensuring business sustainability through any storm that comes your way. From natural disasters, to digital breaches, to pandemics and global health crises, a company’s ability to swiftly and effectively recoup is not just advantageous, but vital for its survival and long-term prosperity.

The financial fallout of a crisis

When disaster strikes, it’s the immediate, measurable impacts that hit first - the physical damage, the halted transactions, the swift financial losses. Imagine a cyberattack rippling through a company’s digital spine, causing service disruptions or even a full-blown operational seizure. Or consider a natural disaster, leaving not just debris, but a myriad of insurance claims, displaced staff and customer dissatisfaction in its wake.

Yet, the aftermath is where the true challenge lies. The less visible, more insidious consequences like eroding market presence, skyrocketing insurance costs and client attrition can eat away at a business’s foundations. Market confidence wavers, share prices tumble, and suddenly, the very identity of a company is in jeopardy.

Reputational risk

In the midst of a crisis, reputation can be a company’s most fragile commodity. The public perception of how a firm handles an adverse event can have lasting effects. A perceived lack of preparedness or an inadequate response can lead to negative media coverage, social media backlash and a loss of customer loyalty. Rebuilding a tarnished reputation is a long and costly process that can divert resources from other strategic areas of the business.

The possibility of business failure

A crisis mismanaged is a narrative uncontrolled, often spiralling into public relation nightmares that no amount of marketing spend can easily reverse. And for smaller firms, the stakes are even higher. Without the buffer of vast reserves or broad-based operations, SMEs face the reality of a single crisis spelling their end— a stark reminder seen in the vacated retail spaces and shuttered storefronts following the COVID-19 lockdowns.

The importance of risk mitigation and recovery plans

Given these risks, it’s vital for businesses to engage in proactive risk mitigation and develop comprehensive recovery plans. Whether it’s diversifying suppliers, investing in cybersecurity or developing robust communication strategies, the goal is to minimise the shockwaves of potential disruptions.

A recovery plan, or a business continuity plan, is a detailed document that outlines the procedures a business will follow to continue operations during and after a crisis. It should address key areas such as crisis management, communication plans, IT recovery and employee safety. The plan should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect new risks and changes in the business environment.

The value of preparedness

The value of preparedness cannot be overstated. Businesses with effective recovery plans in place are more likely to resume operations quickly after a crisis, preserving their market position and stakeholder relationships. They are also better positioned to maintain the confidence of investors and customers, safeguarding the company’s reputation and long-term financial health.

For example, during cyberattacks, companies with a pre-defined response plan can quickly contain the breach and minimise data loss, thereby reducing the incident’s impact. Similarly, businesses with contingency plans for supply chain disruptions can maintain operations by swiftly switching to alternative suppliers or modes
of distribution.

In today’s volatile climate, the question is not if a crisis will occur, but when. Therefore, risk mitigation and recovery planning are not just prudent business practices, they are essential components of a company’s survival toolkit. By investing in these areas, businesses can navigate the uncertainties of the future with confidence and
resilience, turning potential disasters into
manageable challenges.

BUILDING A RECOVERY PLAN
A customised recovery plan is a vital blueprint for any organisation. While each one will be unique, the following steps provide a broad framework that can be adapted to fit most situations.

Identify critical functions
Determine which operations are essential for survival and how long you can manage without them.

Assess risk
Identify potential emergencies and their impact on your operations.

Develop recovery strategies
Outline ways to retain essential functions are various scenarios.

Document the plan
Write down the procedures for emergency response, continuity of operations and recovery.

Implement the plan
Allocate resources and train personnel on their responsibilities.

Test and review
Regularly exercise the plan and update it based on feedback and changes in the business.

Communicate
Ensure that employees and stakeholders know how to access and execute the plan in an emergency.