Building resilience into your organisations operations

The ever-changing landscape of global geopolitics can have far-reaching implications for organisations and their employees, especially when long-simmering tensions reach a boiling point.

In times of conflict, it is crucial for organisations to establish resilience strategies that ensure not only the safety of their people but the continuity of their operations in the face of that conflict. Those strategies should prioritise a combination of actionable risk intelligence and data insights, effective crisis communication, and comprehensive travel risk management. By doing so, organisations can continue their operations while safeguarding the well-being of their employees.

Here are some important considerations businesses should keep in mind during these challenging times.

Risk Intelligence: Knowledge is Power

Effective risk intelligence is essential for resilience. It involves understanding and monitoring potential risks that could impact an organisation and its employees, beyond immediate concerns.

Organisations must stay informed through reputable sources, geopolitical analysis, and expert insights, avoiding disinformation. Understanding the nuances of a threatening scenario enables informed decisions and adaptable strategies. Regular updates keep organisations ahead of potential risks and ready to respond quickly.

Components of Effective Risk Intelligence:

• Continuous Risk Monitoring: Stay updated on geopolitical situations in regions of operation or travel.
• Scenario Analysis: Develop scenarios to assess how different geopolitical outcomes might impact the organisation.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Engage with experts, peers, and government agencies for comprehensive risk understanding.

Robust Planning: Prepare for Contingencies

With insights from risk intelligence, develop and implement a comprehensive resilience plan. Address potential disruptions to operations, travel restrictions, and safety concerns. Assess the impact on supply chains, international travels, and local operations. Identify alternative strategies and diversify supply chains or business partners.

Key Strategies to Consider:

• Redundancy and Contingency Planning: Create a business continuity plan covering critical processes, communication protocols, and employee safety.
• Scenario Planning: Develop scenarios based on potential risks and impacts.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Involve multiple departments in planning, with each understanding its role during a crisis.
• Crisis Communication: Prepare clear communication plans to keep employees informed.

Travel Risk Management: Prioritise Safety

A robust travel risk management program is crucial when sending employees to high-risk regions. Proactive risk assessments, personalised itineraries, and constant communication with travellers are key.

Provide employees with pre-travel briefings on risks and safety precautions. Collaborate with travel risk management providers for expertise and support, including emergency assistance and evacuations if needed.

Aspects of a Comprehensive Travel Risk Management Policy:

• Pre-Travel Briefings: Equip travellers with information on risks and emergency contact details.
• Communication Plans: Establish clear communication lines with travellers using reliable channels.
• Duty of Care: Ensure a robust duty of care program to protect travellers’ safety.
• Travel Security Services: Partner with companies providing security advice, evacuation services, and medical support.

Global geopolitical tensions can pose significant challenges to organisations, but with effective risk intelligence, strategic planning, robust crisis communication, and prioritising travel risk management, businesses can navigate these difficult times while maintaining operational resilience and ensuring the safety of their employees. In doing so, they demonstrate their commitment to the safety and well-being of their people and the continuity of their operations, even in the most precarious times.

For more information on how you can prepare, or to speak to one of our risk management experts, contact us at info@locate.global.