Is your business continuity plan up to snuff? See how your organization compares to those surveyed by Telework Exchange.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts that up to 40% of the U.S. workforce will not come to work this flu season.
A study by Telework Exchange entitled "Mobilizing Against Pandemic" reveals that while more than eight in 10 (81%) of government and business IT decision makers have written business continuity plans, both sectors report implementation challenges and lack assurance that employees could work remotely during an emergency.
In fact, 46% of respondents say they've experienced challenges while testing their business continuity plans. Nearly two thirds (60%) of the public-sector workforce and 45% of the private-sector workforce would be unable to work remotely if necessary, according to the survey.
Types Of Challenges Encountered While Testing Business Continuity Plans
(% Respondents)
| Business Sector |
Technical |
Equipment |
Logistical |
Management
|
| Public |
46% |
32% |
37% |
29% |
| Private |
59% |
41% |
33% |
31% |
Note: Multiple responses allowed.
Source: Telework Exchange, "Mobilizing Against Pandemic," December 2009.
Telework Exchange is a public-private partnership focused on expanding telework adoption. The report is based on a survey of more than 301 public- and private-sector IT decision makers conducted Nov. 17-21, 2009.
"The benefits of mobility are clear -- not preparing for a business continuity situation can hinder organizational performance," says Cindy Auten, General Manager, Telework Exchange, in a prepared statement. "Plans must be in place, but organizations need to also focus on engaging management and ensuring employees are well-equipped to work remotely. The writing is on the wall. Failing to act would be reckless."
The "Mobilizing Against Pandemic" study outlines five simple steps organizations can take to support a mobile workforce:
- Step 1: Education -- Engage Management. According to respondents, nearly one in three organizations experience management challenges while testing their business continuity plans. Encouraging managers to telework and implementing performance-based management processes can help engage management to accept a more mobile workforce
- Step 2: Social Distancing -- Utilize Remote Access. 44% of government agencies and 22% of businesses report that they do not provide remote network access to all employees. Organizations must empower remote access clients and anticipate peak bandwidth requirements
- Step 3: Empower -- Provide Mobile Equipment. When purchasing laptops, 61% of government agencies and 78% of businesses report choosing business-class laptops and respondents expect to increase inventory levels in the next three years. Business-class laptops include integrated security features and remote manageability. Organizations should assess current mobile equipment inventory to meet emergency requirements
- Step 4: Vaccinate -- Lock Down Mobile Security. Survey respondents admit one in seven laptops lacks built-in security. Organizations must select laptops with integrated security features, including encryption. More than equipment, organizations must establish written policies and require comprehensive security training for all employees
- Step 5: House Calls -- Establish Mobile Support Systems. 46% of public-sector and 39% of private-sector organizations report that they do not provide mobile tech support to employees. Organizations need to prepare for increased call volumes during an emergency situation and ensure employees are aware of remote procedures
The report, underwritten by Intel, also reveals that 84% of surveyed IT decision makers believe the need for mobility in their organization has increased in the past year and telework is the leading driver.
In the next three years, public- and private-sector IT decision makers expect telework to increase by 65% and 33%, respectively.
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