Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Employee Issues & Outcomes

August 30, 2017 - We all have seen how issues with some employees have resulted in shootings and other disruptions in the workplace. There have been eight workplace killings so far in 2017. Every employer should be invested in preventing such incidents and also in preventing issues that can land them in court for harassment and other problems. Hiring and firing have their own issues and can lead to problems down the road. Also, tracking employees online might cause issues. This week's articles provide some hints on how to deal with these issues and, hopefully, to avoid trouble.

Every organization has problem employees; how do you deal with yours? (Item #1)   What's your policy for documenting employee issues? (Item #2)  These are the most common employee issues and a few tips on how to manage them. (Item #3)

Here are some tips on avoiding employment land mines. (Item #4)   Are you prepared to deal with threats of violence in the workplace right now? (Item #5)   Here are some issues with tracking employees' online activities. (Item #6)


For the full issue, click here.

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

National Preparedness Month

August 23, 2017 - September, which is unbelievably just around the corner, is National Preparedness Month, which encourages Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities. This year's theme is "Disasters don't plan ahead. You can." In addition to making sure that your business continuity plan is up-to-date, you can and should encourage your family, friends, and employees to educate themselves about preparedness. Some of this week's articles can help.

This information from the CDC will help ensure you are prepared to take action in an emergency. (Item #1)   Make sure your business emergency kit has at least these items. (Item #2)   Ready.gov provides a list of what you should have in your disaster kit -- and don't forget after the disaster. (Item #3)

The first responder to a scene could be you; this video training could help you save a life. (Item #4)   Share this information on how to prepare for and deal with an active shooter incident. (Item #5)   Share this information with your employees, family, and friends to help them become more prepared. (Item #6)


For the full issue, click here.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Online Reputation Management

August 16, 2017 - Per the quote in this issue, while most people will look you up online, they won't go further than page one of the results. So if you have negative results on page one, you probably need to do something about them because all that other positive stuff on pages two and following won't matter. You might be able to do some reputation repair yourself or you might need the services of a specialist. But make no mistake about it -- something has to be done. This week, we offer articles that talk about how to DIY as well as what online reputation services can do for you.

Don't wait until your online reputation is a mess to do something about it. (Item #1)   Even if you have never had a strong online position, the people you are doing business with -- now or in the future -- are almost certainly checking up on you online with a fine-toothed comb. (Item #2)   The single critical -- even erroneous -- article is now a greater threat than ever and will glean even greater traction than before in an otherwise positive profile. (Item #3)

It's important to manage your online reputation properly. (Item #4)   If you need help with your online reputation, here are 50 companies that might be able to assist you. (Item #5)   There is a lot that online reputation management can do for a business, but here are three top misconceptions. (Item #6)


For the full issue, click here.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Business Continuity Planning

August 9, 2017 - The state of business continuity is continually evolving, but is your business's plan also evolving? Have you updated it to consider things like ransomware attacks? Have you included sufficient detail on contingency planning? And what plans have you made about service providers? Are you even focusing on the right things in your planning? Perhaps it's time to take a new look at your plan and consider some of the new dangers we face in the digital era as well as some new approaches to planning.

No matter the specific nature of your business, it's important to have a specific disaster recovery plan implemented so that when the worst does happen, you'll be ready. (Item #1)    Paying a ransom is not the way to deal with a ransomware attack; instead, comprehensive business continuity and disaster recovery planning provide the best solution. (Item #2)    To adequately prepare for workforce continuity during any business disruption, incorporate these five success factors. (Item #3)

Here are some of the things that are overlooked in business continuity planning. (Item #4)    Without a well-thought out and crafted business survival plan, the consequences for owner's employees, customers, and most importantly, family and estate can be devastating; how can life insurance help? (Item #5)    The current approach to business continuity, which generally focuses on 'what could happen', has significant limitations; this article explains why this is the case; and suggests a better, more positive, method. (Item #6)


For the full issue, click here.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Cyber Issues

August 2, 2017 - As this issue's quote indicates, cyber security is no longer just the purview of the IT department. Everyone in the organization - from the C-suite down - is responsible for some aspect of this problem. These articles look at cyber security from various viewpoints and even provide information on adding cyber scenarios to your business continuity exercises. Try it!

Companies everywhere are looking into potential solutions to their cyber security issues. (Item #1)   Fostering a culture of cyber security focuses on strengthening employees' understanding of security issues. (Item #2)   Protecting your company online begins with ensuring your employees are prepared to assist in keeping your computers and networks safe. (Item #3)

It is time make cyber security a priority for every C-suite. (Item #4)   Here are some lessons learned from practical experience of running cyber exercises. (Item #5)   While insider threats in cyber security are often associated with malicious users, in truth, employees are inadvertently causing corporate data breaches and leaks daily. (Item #6)


For the full issue, click here.