After the disaster...

We plan and plan for mitigating and dealing with a disaster, but oftentimes we don’t plan enough for what we will do afterwards. Do we reopen? How can we deal with employee stress after an incident? Is cleanup an issue? This week’s articles shed light on the recovery process... read on.

Recovering from a disaster requires help from all stakeholders. (Item #1) Here’s information to help small business owners make post-disaster business decisions. (Item #2) Emotions can run high after a disaster. (Item #3)

How do you pull together after a shooting? (Item #4) What steps do you take after a natural disaster? (Item #5) Determining the financial health of your business is critical to the decision to reopen or not after a disaster. (Item #6) 

The Ups and Downs of the Office Holiday Party

While some companies no longer hold office holiday parties, a large number still cling to this tradition as a way of showing appreciation for employees. If you’re having such a party, you may wish to read some of this week’s articles to help avoid legal and other problems. No one wants to start the new year with a lawsuit that could prove financially disastrous. If you’re thinking of dropping the party this year, check item #6 for an alternative idea.

There are certain steps that a company can take to limit liability resulting from holiday parties. (Item #1) A lawyer offers tips to help you avoid holiday lawsuits. (Item #2) Employers may want to consider these court decisions as they begin planning their own holiday parties. (Item #3)

Employer-sponsored parties present certain risks when alcohol is served. (Item #4) You never know when one person's trip to the mistletoe might mean another person's trip to a lawyer. (Item #5) How about a gift instead of a party… one that won’t be taxed and meets IRS guidelines? (Item #6)

Business Continuity Standards and Laws

We've all seen it happen...  a disaster occurs and some businesses make it through but some don't. If your business continuity and disaster recovery plans are aligned with a standard, you're more likely to be among the survivors. This week, we're looking at some existing standards and the legal issues of which you should be aware.

Many laws define minimum requirements for business continuity; here are some you should know about. (Item #1) The legal issues involved in corporate contingency planning are some of the most misunderstood and confusing aspects of the entire process of creating a disaster recovery plan. (Item #2) Here's an overview of US regulations pertaining to business continuity. (Item #3)

Pages 52-61 of this comprehensive document provide information on US business continuity legislation, regulations, standards and good practices. (Item #4) ISO 22301 is a management systems standard for BCM which can be used by organizations of all sizes and types. (Item #5) As a guidance standard, organizations cannot be certified in ISO 27031 like ISO 22301, but the management system follows many of the same steps that experienced preparedness professionals are used to implementing with business continuity planning. (Item #6)