Covid-19 | Business Resumption Plan Checklist
Use checklists to implement the business recovery plan after a crisis successfully.
COVID-19 Workplace Inspection Checklist
Use this checklist template to plan the resumption of work at the workplace step by step.
Back to Work Form Template
Use this template to reintegrate an employee into company work after a long absence.
Lumiform enables you to conduct digital inspections via app easier than ever before.
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Why use business resumption plan checklists for reopening?
After a major emergency or business interruption (e.g. disasters and pandemics), a carefully designed plan helps to restore normal operations. A planned approach makes it easier to identify the necessary measures required to revive all key organizational functions and ensure the safe use of the facilities for all employees and customers. In this case, checklists help not to overlook anything and facilitate cooperation within the management team.
Checklists are an essential tool in risk management to analyze and monitor processes and to identify and solve problems as quickly as possible. This approach helps in planning business continuity so that the options available to management during the crisis can be assessed in the best possible way to get back on the right track in business operations . To achieve this, a checklist for business resumption should cover the following points:
- Call strategies for the fastest possible restoration of business activities.
- Describe the main resources, equipment and individual responsibilities required for the resumption of operations.
- Include guidelines for action required to implement the planned measures.
- Regularly reviewed and updated to assess the effectiveness of the business resumption plan.
This article covers the following topics:
1. The relevance of a checklist for restoring business operations
2. The key elements of an effective resumption of business activity
3. Business resumption plan checklist for implementing control meachanism
4. A digital tool for business resumption planning
Related checklists
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The relevance of a checklist for restoring business activity
After the interruption of business operations, it is a top priority for companies to get business back to normal. However, there are lessons to be learned from crises. Therefore, developing a business recovery plan can help companies move forward in the following ways:
- To better understand the extent of the impact of an event or incident on the company.
- Identify immediate countermeasures that are required to resolve urgent problems.
- Better assess the impact on employees and their families and plan possible support.
- To obtain valuable business data that can be used for similar situations in the future.
- To create a culture of resilience and growth within the company.
Key elements of an effective resumption of business activity
There are five essential aspects which are of crucial importance in the planning of the restoration of the company's activities so that the plan can be implemented successfully and effectively:
1. Aspect: Analysis of the operational effects of critical processes
It is important first to identify and analyse all critical processes and situations to ensure efficient planning and prioritisation. Failure to do this may result in wasted resources and increased workload, causing further delays in returning to normal operations.
2. Aspect: Customers, business partners and employees
When planning the restoration of a company's business operations, the input, participation and the effects on employees, customers and business partners must be taken into account. An interruption of their working and everyday lives has a direct impact on business-critical processes. It is important to bring these groups on board during business recovery and contingency planning.
3. Aspect: Evaluation of the facilities
Companies that have had to decommission plants and buildings should carry out a condition assessment to ensure that everything is functioning properly. They should also plan safety measures to reduce the risks to employees and business processes.
4. Aspect: Communication and transparency
Communication during the recovery phase must be as comprehensive as possible. In this way companies create a supportive working environment that is understood and understood. From the individual employee to the supplier, everyone involved in the company's activities must be kept informed of developments affecting them. Open channels of communication should be available to enable close cooperation in a difficult situation.
5. Aspect: Knowledge from the crisis
The company management and its employees can learn from every crisis. Much can be learned during the management and recovery phase from an emergency. The documentation of the process of planning processes to restore business operations can be documented in detail to identify the good and bad experiences and use the lessons learned for future crises.
Which control mechanisms can be implemented after a lockdown with the help of a checklist ?
After the lifting of restrictions, the company management and its business has to face difficult challenges. It must plan for the restoration of business activities with shrunken resources and adaptation to a "new normality", ideally to enable all employees to return to their jobs.
Executives must lay the foundations for a recovery of the company so that internal processes can be continuously restarted. To this end, they must ensure that the necessary measures are implemented . A carefully designed business resumption plan and adequate tools such as checklists, training and programs will help them do this. This is the only way to develop strategies and procedures that support the recovery of disrupted processes, maintain critical operations and ensure that employee health is protected.
The following control measures support the company management in resuming business activities:
1. Formation of a special committee
A special committee is intended to assist in the implementation of existing plans for the restoration and resumption of business activities. Members also assess the physical, economic and social impact of the pandemic on the company and make adjustments to the plans if necessary.
2. implementation of appropriate measures to return to work
Every employee should be prepared to return to work by the company. Special attention should be given to risk groups and employees who have been exposed to COVID-19. Guidelines should be established for the entire workforce, which should be followed to help everyone to re-enter the workplace.
3. Social distancing
According to scientific findings, the social dissociation is a helpful measure to push back the pandemic. A measure that will probably accompany us for a long time to come. Companies have a responsibility to implement social distancing at their workplaces.
4. High hygiene standards
The regular cleaning of the workplace during the pandemic should be just as much a part of everyday work as the cleaning and disinfection of highly frequented areas in the company and sanitary facilities. In this way, the health of the employees can be protected and a feeling of security can be conveyed.
5. Restructuring of working methods
The social distance regulations have forced many employees to work from home. For the future, companies must consider restructuring their current work organisation to be prepared for future pandemics .
6. Keep up to date
Not only during a pandemic but also otherwise, it is important for companies to keep abreast of the latest developments in health and safety at work. Instructions and guidelines from local authorities and national organisations are the right tools to strengthen the business recovery plan and occupational health and safety.
Related app uses
Digital tool for the business resumption plan.
Step by step, companies resume their business activities after a crisis. Careful planning supports them in this process. This can be implemented with digital tools such as Lumiform. The mobile app and desktop software makes it easier to exchange information and solve problems.
Lumiform helps executives create a business recovery plan that promises efficiency and success. The mobile app offers the advantage that all quality and safety inspections, simply by tablet or smartphone can be performed on-site - online or offline. All data is immediately available to the entire planning team.
With Lumiform, companies can:
- Use the flexible forms toolkit to create customizable checklists for restoring business activity.
- Through the digital platform that enables collaboration with other stakeholders to develop the best strategy.
- Generate real-time data about the implementation of the measures. This makes security measurable, and processes can be continuously optimized based on data.
- Keeping an overview of everything that happens in the company.
- Share automatically generated reports with business partners and save all the time spent on post-processing.
To make planning easier, we have put together some templates that can be used immediately with the Lumiform App. All templates can be easily adapted to meet internal company requirements and regional guidelines of state authorities.
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Business Resumption Plan Template Checklist for Retail Stores
This business resumption plan for retail stores can help retail chain operators put measures in place to ensure the safe reopening of their stores. Use this customizable template to help managers inspect store facilities, take photo evidences of completed actions, and assign tasks to store personnel.
Free Business Resumption Plan Template Checklist for Retail Stores Checklist
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Name of Business
- Location Address
Conducted on
Prepared by
Store Reopening Plan
About the Business
Business Name
Primary Address
City, State, Zip Code
Telephone Number
Primary Point of Contact
Primary Emergency Contact
E-Mail Address
Store Reopening Planning Team
The following people will participate in business resumption planning
Team Leader
Contact Number
Meeting Schedule
Summary of Dates and Locations
Store Reopening Checklist
Confirm employee health and readiness to return to work
Communicate reopening schedule as soon as possible with employees.
Determine shift schedules as soon as possible.
Inventory Check
Verify inventory count and records.
Take stock of inventory and record losses of any product damaged/out of date/spoiled during closure.
Contact vendors and suppliers to update product orders and delivery schedules.
Store Exterior
Sweep sidewalks (if a curbside store), dust ledges, wash store windows and doors.
Clear all debris from in front of store.
Ensure building is clean and well lit.
Parking lot, if available, is clean with garbage cleared.
Up to date promotions and reopening signs are displayed in windows.
Clean light fixtures and replace burnt out bulbs.
Sanitize doors and knobs.
Sweep and sanitize floors.
Dust displays and surfaces.
Check that all fixtures, floors, walls, windows, and surfaces are clean and well maintained.
Before restocking product, review updated merchandising guides/promotional materials.
Ensure merchandisers/staff are scheduled to set up displays and equipment.
Verify product pricing.
Place promotional signage.
Physical Facilties
Ensure HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems are operating properly
Verify all locks are in good repair.
Clean out air vents and replace filters as necessary.
Ensure alarm systems are working.
Ensure electricity is available throughout the store
Review loss prevention and security policies with employees.
Educate employees on any new handwashing, sanitization, health and safety policies.
Boot up POS systems and verify systems are ready to process transactions.<br>
Ensure POS is clean, sanitized, and free from personal effects.
Clean customer restrooms including all surfaces (counters, sinks, toilets, floors, handles and doors).<br>
Restock supplies
Check if sinks and plumbing are working correctly
Person-In-Charge
Final Notes/Comments
You may contact the following person with any questions or comments about this plan.
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Disaster Recovery Plan Template
DRP's are steps or mechanisms that can reduce or eliminate various threats for organizations
- Create a Disaster Recovery Plan
- Difference Between DRP and BCP
- Disaster Recovery Plan
- IT Disaster Recovery Plan
- Business Continuity Plan
- Continuity Checklist Plan
- Disaster Response Plan
- Bomb Threats and Terrorist Attack
- Fire Preparedness
- Hurricane and Tornado Preparedness
- Political Disaster Preparedness
- Winter Storm Preparedness
- Industry News
Business Continuity Checklist
The business continuity checklist is the first step in the BCP process. The checklist is not an exhaustive list, it is a simple tool that can be used to ensure that the basic BCP process has been initiated and the Division management has considered what needs to be done to keep essential functions operating if an adverse event occurs. The checklist is somewhat “information centric” as organisation’s reliance on information is increasing and its successful management provides competitive advantage.
Page Contents
- 1.1 Business Continuity Checklist :MITIGATION PLANNING CHECKLISTS
- 1.2.1 Loss of Utility Supply (Gas, Water, Electricity)
Program Initiation and Management (Pre-Planning)
- Establish the need for Business Continuity Program
- Scope of legal and regulatory authority
- BCP Sponsor (Senior Management)
- Business Continuity Steering Committee (5-8 people)
- BCP protects core assets
Risk Evaluation and Control (Pre-Planning)
- Prioritize planning and resource allocation
- Identify and mitigate exposures
- Identify the threats, risks and vulnerabilities
- Gather information
- Controls/Safeguards
- Annualized Loss Exposure (Ale) Risk=Frequency x Exposure
- Quantitative and qualitative
- Protecting physical property, information, company reputation
- Risk tolerance and probabilities
Business Impact Analysis (Pre-Planning)
- BIA determines critical, time sensitive, prioritized business processes
- Interdependencies of these functions (intradepartmental, interdepartmental and external)
- Establish RTOs (disaster and minimum acceptable level) and RPOs (last good data)
- Plan and coordinate data gathering and analysis
- Questionnaires
- Financial impact, customer impact, legal impact, regulatory impact
- Disruption<RTO
- Disaster >RTO
- Vital records management
- Data backup strategies
- Prepare and present BIA
Developing Business Continuity Strategies (Planning)
- Assess strategies, maximum recovery impact in RTO window
- Support services/resources needed
- Alternate strategies (combo, displacement, alternate site, work from home)
- Cost (advantages and disadvantages)
- Develop a cost/benefit analysis
- Other requirements
Emergency Preparedness and Response (Planning)
- Types of emergencies
- Tactical and strategic planning
- Evacuation/SIP
- Facility stabilization
- Identify and review existing emergency response procedures
- Life safety
- Command and control
- Crisis management
- Notification and protocols
Developing and Implementing Business Plans (Planning)
- Types of plans (crisis mgt, COOP, DRP, ERP, BCP, etc)
- Introduction, policy statements, scope, assumptions, essential business functions and processes)
- BCP structure (base plan)
- Disaster recovery management
- Critical continuity functions
- Human resource responsibilities
- Recovery communications
- Insurance/Emergency funds
- Plan implementation
- Plan distribution
Awareness and Training Programs (Post-Planning)
- Importance of BCP
- Awareness activities
- Training activities
- Audience needs
- Delivery tools
Business Continuity Plan Exercise, Audit, and Maintenance (Post-Planning)
- Exercise and test the plan
- Tabletop, walkthrough, backup, integrated, comprehensive, standalone, call trees, line of business, facilities)
- Maintain BCP
- Establish an audit process
Crisis Communications (Post-Planning)
- Sources of communication
- Methods of communication
- Internal vs. external
- Stakeholders
- Media and role of spokesperson
- Key messaging
- Crisis communication plan
Coordination with External Agencies (Post-Planning)
- Identify and establish the organizational emergency management procedures
- Coordination with external agencies
- Current laws and regulations
Business Continuity Checklist :MITIGATION PLANNING CHECKLISTS
Mitigation Planning
Business Continuity Checklist: RESPONSE ACTIONS
Plan Checklists of Initial Actions for each high risk threat (complete a checklist for each high risk threat)
Response Checklists
We hope this information will help you prepare for you business continuity checklist .
Free Downloads
- Business Continuity Plan Template
- Continuity Evaluation Checklist Plan Template
- Disaster Recovery Plan Template Basic
- Disaster Response Plan Template
- Disaster Recovery Project Plan Example
- IT Disaster Recovery Plan Template
Related Pages
- Emergency Planning Guidelines
- Disaster Recovery Glossary
- Have key employees seen the business plan and are all employees aware that there is such a plan?
- Have employees been told their specific roles and responsibilities if the business resumption plan is put into effect?
- Have information sessions on business resumption plan been held?
- Does your business resumption plan include home/ pager/ cellular/ numbers of personnel with key roles in the implementation of the plan, and are they available on a 7 X 24 basis if necessary, (vacation, etc.)?
- Do designated employees know who dose what in the event of an emergency?
- Have people with special needs been identified and provisions made for them?
- Does your business resumption plan provide a means for replacement staff when necessary?
Building Premises
- Consider the condition of your buildings, -- old, recently retrofitted or new and the impact this may have on some details of your business resumption plan.
- Do you have access to a building engineer who can inspect the building and facilities soon after a disaster so that damage can be identified and repaired to make the premises safe for the return of employees as soon as possible?
- Is there a plan for the regular inspection of the buildings and facilities, with an inspection checklist?
- Are there hazards in neighboring and adjacent buildings that could endanger life or your business / organization?
- Do you have plans for alternative shelter, if needed?
- Do employees know where the alternative facilities are located?
- What is the risk of failure of such systems as electrical power, natural gas, toxic chemical containers, and pipes?
- Are toxic materials safely stored?
- If public or general transportation is disrupted, will that affect your operations? Has this been considered in your business resumption plan?
Information Technology
- What arrangements exist for emergency telecommunications?
- Have provisions been made so that employees can communicate with their families without overloading telephone circuits?
- Is there a plan for alternative means of data transmission if the computer network is interrupted? Is the plan in writing?Are key staff aware of it? Has the security of alternative mean of transmission been considered?
- How frequently do you test your recovery plan for electronic data processing? For communications during an emergency?
- Does your business resumption plan incorporate a review of computer operations and analyze networking and interdependant systems?
- Are computers protected from leakage from fire sprinklers and pipes on upper floors?
- Does your business resumption plan consider accessibility to a back-up power generator? Power conditioning?
Administrative procedures
- Does your business resumption plan cover administrative and management aspects in addition to operations? Is three a management plan to maintain operations if your headquarters is severely damaged or if access is denied or limited for an extended period of time?
- If some or all of senior management are unable to work, does your business resumption plan have procedures that will enable others to assume these responsibilities? (Is there an executive succession plan?)
- Is there a designated emergency operations center where incident management teams can co-ordinate response and recovery?
- Have essential records been identified? Do you have a duplicate set of essential records stored in a secure and approved location?
- Are essential records separated for easy retrieval from those that will not be needed immediately/
- Is there a procedure to check the protective and emergency devices in offices? (alarm systems, security procedures)
- Does your business resumption plan include the names and numbers of suppliers of essential equipment and other material?
- Do any of your contractors provide a service or deliver goods that are essential to the continued operation of your business and if so do these contractors have business resumption plans in case they are also affected by the same disruption that has interrupted the the functioning of your business?
- Have alternative sources of supply been established?
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Checklist for business reopening and resumption.
This post was co-authored by Teresa Foltz and Christine Roach, Senior HR Consultants for vcfo.
In January, the virus that was then impacting China was barely on individuals’ radars in the US. As we too became engulfed by its impact, a massive mobilization ensued across all aspects of society. Businesses were forced to make quick and tough decisions, from how to stay afloat to how to put safe and effective work-from-home operations in place.
Now, more workplaces are being given the greenlight to reopen their doors. Reopening is an absolutely welcomed and positive step, but one that must be carefully planned, well organized, and thoughtfully taken. Missteps in reopening can erode customer trust, damage company culture, and put the physical health of employees and overall health of the business at risk.
To help leaders gain confidence that they cover all the bases as they prepare to reopen their businesses or bring work-from-home employees back to their facilities, we’ve put together a Checklist for Business Reopening and Resumption.
*Note : This checklist should not be viewed as exhaustive, but as covering the primary, universal elements of business reopening and resumption. Every business is different and should be reopened only in accordance with state and local guidelines.*
Foundational Planning
Before moving to more of the tactical elements of business reopening or resumption, leaders should weigh the broader strategic aspects in play and ensure the best possible foundation to make decisions from.
- Establish goals and milestones for reopening and how progress against them will be measured
- Establish selection criteria for who should return to work and, potentially, who should remain remote
- Establish a recruiting/staffing contingencies plan should some employees not wish to return
- Determine best timing/sequencing of employee returns (all at once, phased approach, staggered schedules)
- Assess whether changes to past business norms are needed (e.g. revised hours of operations, modified employee roles and responsibilities)
- Identify how traditional customer experiences/interactions may need to shift
- Get input and perspective from key leaders and external attorney, HR professionals, accountant, etc.
- Look at financial impacts and mitigate fallout through strategic planning efforts.
Facilities Readiness
Facilities readiness is imperative to instill confidence in customers and employees that leaders and the organization as a whole are doing everything possible to make it safe for them to come back and conduct business.
- Complete inspections and preventive maintenance on all significant equipment (e.g. HVAC, hygiene)
- Communicate reopening plans to vendors/suppliers and ensure they can meet service demands
- Complete full facilities cleaning ( see CDC Guidelines ), assess on-hand supplies, and establish the plan for recurring cleaning procedures (frequency, locations, materials used, etc.)
- Review all facility access points and procedures, including entry/exit protocols, visitor policies.
- Assess floor plans to enable proper spacing and social distancing and minimize congregation points.
- Review traffic flows and physical touchpoints (e.g. deliveries) to establish contactless interactions where possible.
Communication and Change Management (for Employees and Customers)
Prepare workers and customers for a positive return with transparent, consistent, and appreciative communications. Everyone should have clear expectations regarding what the workplace/business environment will look and feel like upon their return and the reason behind any changes made.
- Incorporate reopening and business resumption into the organization’s change management and communication strategy and corresponding plans
- Document the timing, content, and delivery mediums for announcements
- Determine where segmented communications may be needed for different departments/shifts or employees of different statuses (e.g. furloughed, remote-only)
- Establish a review and approval process for communications before they are delivered
- Create a separate and focused communication plan for customers
- Consider supports (e.g. virtual learning) for new behavior adaptation (e.g. leading or being part of a virtual/dispersed team)
- Implement message/information reinforcements across multiple layers (e.g. posters, email signature lines, intranet, onboarding and training materials, etc.)
- Ensure clear, easy, and closed-loop paths for employees to seek clarifications and ask questions
Policies and Practices Review
Many policies will likely require changes or updates to meet the needs of the new normal. Review each for changes that are needed now and understand that there are still unknowns that will likely compel further updates in the near future. In addition to broader macro policies like those noted below, “micro” policies and practices (e.g. conference room, kitchen, meeting protocols) will also need to be evaluated.
- Return to work prerequisites
- Guest and visitors
- Facility access
- Temporary and contract
- Business and personal travel
- Remote work
- Workplace safety and hygiene
- Employee screening
- Performance reviews
- Employee benefits
- Emergency Response
HR and Regulatory Readiness
Shared responsibility for health and safety of employees / taking care, culture/vision.
- Assign a COVID-19 protocol officer/leader from HR or safety to monitor and guide actions
- Ensure Families First Coronavirus Response Act requirements are met
- Amend response and recovery plans to include both infectious diseases and natural disasters
- Determine tracking and documentation requirements for reinstated/returning employees (e.g. rehire paperwork or I-9 documentation updates needed?)
- Review PTO procedures and related impacts including potential future tax credits
- Assess whether changes are needed to pay practices (e.g. hazard pay), HR coding, and emergency paid / family medical leave
- Apply needed updates to the employee handbook and ensure they are communicated and understood
- Review employee support resources (e.g. learning, physical and mental health, reliable information outlets)
- Ensure that “care for employees” is a primary element of all communications
Plan and Prepare for Success
Remember, this checklist should not be viewed as exhaustive, but rather as a solid place to start for leaders who are getting ready to reopen their businesses. Especially now, “winging it” and “figuring it out as we go” are not advisable approaches. The health of customers, employees, and companies overall will in large part depend on how planful, prepared, and disciplined leaders are in reopening and resuming their businesses.
Strengthen your company’s plan for getting back to business. Request a free consultation with a vcfo expert today.
Teresa Foltz
Business Reopening Plan
Tool to help resume operations in a post-lockdown economy
Business Resumption Plan
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A Business Resumption Plan is a tool activated after a significant disruption or emergency to help companies gradually restore critical business functions to maintain continuity of service to clients and business partners. With this SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) business reopening plan template, management teams can:
- customize the template structure according to the company’s best practices;
- enable collaboration amongst key stakeholders to work simultaneously on business resumption plans and discuss the necessary solutions;
- assign actions (with automated notifications) with priority levels to assigned personnel to ensure they are completed on time;
- enable digital sign-offs for approval of business resumption plan; automatically generate and share accomplished business resumption plans to senior management teams; and
- gather crucial data that can help inform/improve pandemic preparedness plans.
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- Preview Sample PDF Report
Published 31 Jan 2023
What is a business reopening plan?
A business reopening plan is a tool that helps document a set of procedures that helps companies eventually restore normal operations after a significant emergency or disruption (e.g. disasters and pandemics). It aids the management team in identifying the necessary measures to help reopen all the key organizational functions and ensure the safe use of facilities for employees and customers.
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In this article
Importance of business reopening planning, 5 key elements for effective business reopening , using business reopening plans in a post-lockdown world, what controls should employers consider for a post-lockdown business reopening, digital tool to help the workforce adapt to ‘the new normal’, featured business reopening plan templates.
As an essential risk management tool that helps with business continuity planning , the business reopening plan provides company leaders an opportunity to assess how they can get back on track as safely and quickly as possible in a post-crisis environment. To help achieve this, a business reopening plan should include:
- strategies to recover business activities in the quickest possible time;
- a description of key resources, equipment and individual responsibilities necessary to resume operations;
- plan objectives;
- action guidelines required to carry out planned measures; and
- a periodic review schedule to assess effectiveness of the business reopening plan.
The development of business reopening plans can help:
- provide a better understanding of the scale of effects of an event/incident to the business;
- assess the impact of the disruption on the workers and their families and determine how to support them as the business reopens;
- pinpoint the immediate corrective measures needed to address urgent concerns;
- identify workplace adjustments that may be needed to help employees adjust while reentering the workforce;
- provide valuable business data on how to address similar situations in the future; and
- build a culture of resilience and recovery within the organization.
The following are vital elements that help ensure an effective business reopening or resumption planning:
Business Impact Analysis of Critical Processes and Systems
Employees, customers, and business partners.
Any business reopening planning must take into account the input, participation, and impact to the employees, customers, and business partners. A disruption to their lives directly affects business critical processes, which is why it is important work with them in business recovery and contingency planning.
Facilities Assessments
Inclusive communications, lessons learned.
Much can be learned from each phase of managing and recovering from a contingency. Documenting the process of business reopening planning will help in identifying the things learned, both good and bad, and will go a long way toward helping to deal with other crises when they occur.
As businesses recover and employees prepare to return to work when restrictions are lifted, business leaders are bound to face the tough challenges of restarting operations and helping a reentering workforce adapt to the ‘new normal’, all while managing to make the most of dwindling resources.
To maximize recovery while ensuring the steady restart of internal processes and protection of employee health, executives will have to lay the groundwork for post-pandemic business recovery to ensure that the necessary measures are in place to help them remain viable, even in the aftermath of a pandemic.
With carefully designed Business Reopening Plans, employers can develop strategies and procedures to help recover disrupted systems, maintain critical operations, and ensure that employee health and welfare is protected.
Forming an ad hoc committee
Forming an ad hoc committee can help execute existing business recovery and resumption plans (if any) and assess the physical, economic, and social impact of the pandemic to the organization. Business reopening actions should be adjusted based upon the actual impact and circumstances.
Implementing proper return-to-work measures
If there were company members who have been exposed to but already cleared of COVID-19, proper return to work guidelines should be set to help them adapt as they reenter the workforce. Further return to work guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can be found here .
Implementing intermittent social distancing beyond lockdowns
Continued restrictions such as social distancing measures may need to be in place intermittently until 2022, scientists have warned in an analysis that suggests there could be resurgences of COVID-19 for years to come. With this, companies will need to review social distancing guidelines by the CDC and assess how they can implement it in their workplaces.
Providing access to consistently clean and sanitized facilities
Regular workplace cleaning schedules may need to be more scrutinous to strengthen the protection of employees against viral infections. Areas frequented by workers or others (e.g. visitors to your premises) should be cleaned and sanitized more often to also provide employees a sense of security when they are working. Hygiene supplies such as soap, water, and toilet paper should also be properly stocked at all times.
Considering the restructuring of how people work
Social distancing regulations to combat the coronavirus pandemic have forced millions of employees to work remotely. It remains to be seen whether this will lead to a permanent change in working arrangements, but to proactively address these changes, companies may have to restructure how employees work as a strategy to mitigate the risk of future outbreaks.
Staying up to date with local and CDC guidance on the coronavirus
It is important that businesses remain up to date on the latest developments with regard to the pandemic. Guidance and directives from local authorities and the CDC will adapt to changing circumstances, so companies should make sure to revisit them in order to strengthen business reopening plans.
Why use SafetyCulture?
Soon enough, businesses will rise again and the workforce will be able to return, although, there will be a ‘new normal’. To help organizations and employees plan on how they can gradually adapt, SafetyCulture provides free digital business reopening plan templates which can be completed on mobile devices or desktop.
With SafetyCulture, you can:
- download and customize business reopening plan templates for free, convert your existing paper templates to our digital format via smart scan , or create your own template from scratch with our drag-and-drop template builder ;
- enable collaboration amongst key stakeholders to work simultaneously on business reopening plans and discuss the necessary solutions;
- enable digital sign-offs for approval of business reopening plan;
- automatically generate and share accomplished business reopening plans to senior management teams;
- gather crucial data that can help inform/improve pandemic preparedness plans; and
- use SafetyCulture for free with small teams. Unlimited reports and storage for premium accounts.
Try SafetyCulture for free!
To help you get started, we have compiled checklist templates to help with business resumption planning.
Business Resumption Plan for Retail Stores
This business resumption plan for retail stores can help retail chain operators put measures in place to ensure the safe reopening of their stores. Use this customizable business resumption plan template to help managers inspect store facilities, take photo evidence of completed actions, and assign tasks to store personnel.
Workplace Reopening Checklist for COVID-19
A lot of businesses like gym, pubs, restaurants, retailers are now preparing to open again, and the process of reopening can be stressful. This workplace reopening checklist should help guide them through the first few step, plus they can customize it to add things that are relevant to their industry to meet specific legislative requirements in their respective countries.
Facilities Reopening Readiness Checklist
This checklist can be used by facility managers to perform facilities readiness assessments for reopening after a lockdown. It can help ensure that the facilities system are functional and policies are up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the safe return of employees and customers.
Social Distancing Plan for Workplaces
Once lockdowns are lifted, businesses can resume, however, social distancing may still be needed or required by the state. This social distancing plan template can help employers in implementing social distancing measures in workplaces as a risk management strategy to minimize the possibility of outbreak resurgence.
Return to Work Form
This return to work form can be used by an employee coming from prolonged absence (e.g. due to injury or sickness) to list days of absence and its cause. It can be used by supervisors to plan with workers who were cleared of the COVID-19 infection how they can be reintegrated back into the workforce as safely as possible.
Return to Work Risk Assessment Form
This return to work risk assessment form can be used to list and assess the identified safety implications associated with the return to work process of employees. The risk assessment process should consider the impact of the workplace and current events on the employees' ability to work and if there are existing controls to help mitigate the risk to the employees.
Store Re-opening Checklist
These are BRC-USDAW (British Retail Consortium-Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) recommended implementation practices for Non-Food Retail Stores. This can serve as a guide for retailers on how to implement UK Government advice based upon on these recommendations.
Bonus: Workplace Pandemic Preparedness Plan
This workplace pandemic preparedness plan checklist by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can help pandemic coordinators of large organizations to develop, maintain, and act upon strategies to protect employee health and safety in the event of a future pandemic
Retail Store Re-Opening Checklist
UK government advice in retail store re-opening after Covid-19 pandemic. BRC-USDAW recommended implementation practices for Non-Food Retail Stores. A guide for retailers on how to implement Government advice.
SafetyCulture Content Specialist
Jona Tarlengco
Jona Tarlengco is a content writer and researcher for SafetyCulture since 2018. She usually writes about safety and quality topics, contributing to the creation of well-researched articles. Her 5-year experience in one of the world’s leading business news organisations helps enrich the quality of the information in her work.
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This business resumption plan for retail stores can help retail chain operators put measures in place to ensure the safe…
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This checklist can be used by facility managers to perform facilities readiness assessments for reopening after a lockdown. It can…
Once lockdowns are lifted, businesses can resume, however, social distancing may still be needed or required by the state. This…
This return to work form can be used by an employee coming from prolonged absence (e.g. due to injury or…
This return to work risk assessment form can be used to list and assess the identified safety implications associated with…
These are BRC-USDAW (British Retail Consortium-Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) recommended implementation practices for Non-Food Retail Stores. This…
This workplace pandemic preparedness plan checklist by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can help pandemic coordinators of…
UK government advice in retail store re-opening after Covid-19 pandemic. BRC-USDAW recommended implementation practices for Non-Food Retail Stores. A guide…
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business resumption plan checklist
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- Have key employees seen the business plan and are all employees aware that there is such a plan?
- Have employees been told their specific roles and responsibilities if the business resumption plan is put into effect?
- Have information sessions on business resumption plan been held?
- Does your business resumption plan include home/ pager/ cellular/ numbers of personnel with key roles in the implementation of the plan, and are they available on a 7 X 24 basis if necessary, (vacation, etc.)?
- Do designated employees know who dose what in the event of an emergency?
- Have people with special needs been identified and provisions made for them?
- Does your business resumption plan provide a means for replacement staff when necessary?
Building Premises
- Consider the condition of your buildings, -- old, recently retrofitted or new and the impact this may have on some details of your business resumption plan.
- Do you have access to a building engineer who can inspect the building and facilities soon after a disaster so that damage can be identified and repaired to make the premises safe for the return of employees as soon as possible?
- Is there a plan for the regular inspection of the buildings and facilities, with an inspection checklist?
- Are there hazards in neighboring and adjacent buildings that could endanger life or your business / organization?
- Do you have plans for alternative shelter, if needed?
- Do employees know where the alternative facilities are located?
- What is the risk of failure of such systems as electrical power, natural gas, toxic chemical containers, and pipes?
- Are toxic materials safely stored?
- If public or general transportation is disrupted, will that affect your operations? Has this been considered in your business resumption plan?
Information Technology
- What arrangements exist for emergency telecommunications?
- Have provisions been made so that employees can communicate with their families without overloading telephone circuits?
- Is there a plan for alternative means of data transmission if the computer network is interrupted? Is the plan in writing?Are key staff aware of it? Has the security of alternative mean of transmission been considered?
- How frequently do you test your recovery plan for electronic data processing? For communications during an emergency?
- Does your business resumption plan incorporate a review of computer operations and analyze networking and interdependant systems?
- Are computers protected from leakage from fire sprinklers and pipes on upper floors?
- Does your business resumption plan consider accessibility to a back-up power generator? Power conditioning?
Administrative procedures
- Does your business resumption plan cover administrative and management aspects in addition to operations? Is three a management plan to maintain operations if your headquarters is severely damaged or if access is denied or limited for an extended period of time?
- If some or all of senior management are unable to work, does your business resumption plan have procedures that will enable others to assume these responsibilities? (Is there an executive succession plan?)
- Is there a designated emergency operations center where incident management teams can co-ordinate response and recovery?
- Have essential records been identified? Do you have a duplicate set of essential records stored in a secure and approved location?
- Are essential records separated for easy retrieval from those that will not be needed immediately/
- Is there a procedure to check the protective and emergency devices in offices? (alarm systems, security procedures)
- Does your business resumption plan include the names and numbers of suppliers of essential equipment and other material?
- Do any of your contractors provide a service or deliver goods that are essential to the continued operation of your business and if so do these contractors have business resumption plans in case they are also affected by the same disruption that has interrupted the the functioning of your business?
- Have alternative sources of supply been established?
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Business Resumption Plan Template Checklist A Business Resumption Plan is a tool activated after a significant disruption or emergency to help companies gradually restore critical business functions to maintain continuity of service to clients and business partners.
To achieve this, a checklist for business resumption should cover the following points: Call strategies for the fastest possible restoration of business activities. Describe the main resources, equipment and individual responsibilities required for the resumption of operations.
A Business Resumption Plan Checklist Personnel Have key employees seen the business resumption plan and are all employees aware that there is such a plan? Have employees been told their specific roles and responsibilities if the business resumption plan is put into effect? Have information sessions on the business resumption plan been held?
A Business Resumption Plan is a tool activated after a significant disruption or emergency to help companies gradually restore critical business functions to maintain continuity of service to clients and business partners. With this SafetyCulture (iAuditor) business reopening plan template, management teams can:
Figure 1a - Business Resumption Planning Elements Business Resumption Plan 2.1 Getting Started 3 2.1 Operations Analysis 2.3 Detailed Planning 2.4 Plan Assembly 2.5 Plan Implementation, Use & Maintenance Note: The solid lines indicate the process for developing a business resumption plan while dotted lines indicate
This business resumption plan for retail stores can help retail chain operators put measures in place to ensure the safe reopening of their stores. Use this customizable template to help managers inspect store facilities, take photo evidences of completed actions, and assign tasks to store personnel. Use this Template Print as PDF Title Page
This Business Resumption Checklist will be helpful to business owners who need to get back into business after some emergency break (due to emergency). In this checklist you will find suggestions on restoring your business location and processes. Order 750 checklists in MS Word and PDF printable format at $49.99 USD only. BUY NOW!
Business Resumption Planning Checklist This Checklist is to help you determine the adequacy of your business resumption plan. The checklist is based on information from the booklet: Business Resumption Planning, A guide, published by Emergency Preparedness Canadaand SafeGuard Personnel Have key employees seen the business plan and are all
The business continuity checklist is the first step in the BCP process. The checklist is not an exhaustive list, it is a simple tool that can be used to ensure that the basic BCP process has been initiated and the Division management has considered what needs to be done to keep essential functions operating if an adverse event occurs.
When notified by the Emergency Management Team that the Business Resumption Plan has been activated, the team leader will: 1. Record all the information and instructions given by the Emergency Management Team. Use the Notification Checklist located in this section as a guideline and work paper. 2.
Build Your Business Plan tool. Use the checklist to measure where you are in the process of collecting the necessary material. As you progress, refer to the Build Your Business Plan tool for additional business plan writing support as needed. Let's begin charting your path to writing your business plan! Note: Checkpoints in . italicized bold
Step-by-step Guide to Business Resumption Planning Business Resumption Planing DataSure Services www.datasure.com 1-800-598-6831 Pages you may find of interest include our storage media page, Guide to Mass Storage or its constituent parts Optical Storage page and Magnetic Storage page,
Business Resumption Plan Checklist * Form a business-resumption planning committee. * List all of your business' major functions and activities. Analyze the risks and perils that threaten those functions. * Review insurance coverage and adjust if necessary. Consider business-interruption insurance.
Before moving to more of the tactical elements of business reopening or resumption, leaders should weigh the broader strategic aspects in play and ensure the best possible foundation to make decisions from. Establish goals and milestones for reopening and how progress against them will be measured
Business Resumption Plan. Download Free Template. A Business Resumption Plan is a tool activated after a significant disruption or emergency to help companies gradually restore critical business functions to maintain continuity of service to clients and business partners. With this iAuditor business reopening plan template, management teams can:
View bccm - session 14 - handout ii - business resumption plan checklist.doc from GAM 101 at Muhammad Ali Jinnah University, Islamabad. A Business Resumption Plan Checklist Personnel Have key
ICT business resumption plan checklist No one could have foreseen scientifically or accurately that a global epidemic would devastate 2020. Apocalyptic movies make money in Hollywood, but they bring us to our knees and the economy to a halt in real life. And, business continuity plan as the previous year demonstrated, no organisation is immune …
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When notified by the Emergency Management Team that the Business Resumption Plan has been activated, the team leader will: Record all the information and instructions given by the Emergency Management Team. Use the Notification Checklist located in this section as a guideline and work paper.
Step-by-step Guide to Business Resumption Planning Business Resumption Planing DataSure Services www.datasure.com 1-800-598-6831 Pages you may find of interest include our storage media page, Guide to Mass Storage or its constituent parts Optical Storage page and Magnetic Storage page,