How the enterprise is adapting to disruption

From cancelled tech conferences and disrupted supply chains to telecommuting and cybersecurity threats, the enterprise faces a new normal as COVID-19‘s impact escalates.

As the impact of COVID-19 on the enterprise escalates, employers and employees must adapt to a new normal.

Millions are under lockdown, schools have closed, international travel has halted, global supply chains have been disrupted, and yet, COVID-19 continues on its global path, infecting multiple countries along the way.

In the US, the CDC expects that in the coming months, most of the US population will be exposed to the virus.

The infectious disease was first reported to the World Health Organization on December 31, 2019. By January, it was linked to a family of viruses known as coronaviruses–the same family of viruses responsible for SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome, as well as some cases of the common cold.

As a result, a special WHO committee has declared a public health emergency of international concern, and it’s had a serious impact on personal and business lives throughout the world.

As many organizations across the globe employ significant measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, such as cancelling major conferences, enforcing employee travel bans and telecommuting, the C-suite is reminded that it’s always a good idea to have updated business continuity and disaster recovery plans at the ready.

Companies must plan and prepare for risks that may be involved with business continuity interruptions such as cancelled business travel plans, ill employees, and possible data loss.

The CDC’s interim guidance for business response recommended companies encourage employees at risk of exposure to take sick days; perform routine environmental office cleaning; and institute more flexible work arrangements, which finds many employers managing a remote workforce.

As Jason Cipriani writes in Work from home: 64 expert tips for staying healthy, happy, and productive, “Not only do employees have to learn how to work from home and remain efficient, but managers also have to learn how to effectively lead and manage remote workers.”

Read more: https://www.zdnet.com/article/covid-19-how-the-enterprise-adapts-to-disruption/