While the programming behind the health care Exchange website is coming under scrutiny, the government has been able to successfully program consumer-facing websites on other topics. Click here to see a “video game” released by HealthIT.gov.
The game might gloss over the details, but the message is certainly important. All businesses should plan for unexpected contingencies, such as power failures, weather events, and cyber security issues.
With the cold weather approaching, employers may wish to think about office closure procedures and communications in the event of power failures. Employers should have the ability to communicate with employees, at both home and in the office, if a contingency event occurs. Consider asking employees to voluntarily provide cell phone and emergency contact information in case the need arises. With so much information stored online, it may be advisable to keep limited paper back up records (for both employees and important clients) if access to a computer is not available.
Employers may wish to review their internal disaster and contingency plans to make sure they are still applicable to their workforce.