Business Continuity Explained and Defined: FAQs for Employers

November 11, 2020

Business Continuity Basics: Frequently Asked Questions Provided AFIMAC Global

Business continuity is a commonly used buzzword about a business or private entity’s ability to maintain operations despite the risk of a work stoppage, natural disaster, or any kind of crisis. In risk management, it could include anything from contingent workforces, power generation, temporary structures, or entire base camp services deployed to support a business or private entity.

Business continuity planning occurring during an executive meeting

What is Business Continuity?

Business continuity typically refers to a business or organization’s ability to maintain operations in the face of risk. Risk itself could be anything such as a labor dispute, natural disaster, or active shooter situation. Effective business continuity begins in the planning stages and usually includes outside support from a business continuity company such as AFIMAC.

What Are Examples of Business Continuity?

One of the most common examples is a work stoppage or labor dispute in which an employer must maintain operations with contingent workers despite the presence of a picket line.

In other cases, it can also include the efforts a business makes to support its workforce despite a natural disaster or extreme weather event, which includes deployable base camps, temporary accommodations, mobile showers, kitchens, and power generation.

What is the Meaning of Business Continuity?

Typically major employers, university or college campuses, government entities, healthcare facilities, and religious institutions lean on a third-party risk management firm like AFIMAC to assess risk and draft a business continuity plan. It means an entity’s ability and efforts to continue efforts in the face of risk.

What Does the BCP Stand For?

BCP stands for business continuity plan.

Who is responsible for BCP?

Employers are ultimately the ones responsible for having a plan in place for risk. Often, corporate clients can gain a clear picture of the risks facing their business by partnering with a risk management firm like AFIMAC to conduct a risk assessment and have plans in place for any type of risk. When support is needed, a BCP dictates what happens next, what resources are needed, and the type of personnel needed to manage a disruption of operations. Every client’s BCP looks different, depending on the risks facing the business itself.

AFIMAC Business Continuity Services

AFIMAC has specialized in these matters for over 30 years, helping clients from across North America with assessing and responding to risk. When clients need additional support, whether it is human resources or mobile assets, AFIMAC brings solutions directly to the job site.

Clients often pay very little for the initial planning services, typically only paying when resources are needed and deployed. Having such plans in place helps employers fulfill their duty of care obligations to their workforce, avoid claims of negligence, and avoid work stoppages that can harm the bottom line.

Have more questions? Reach out to us directly to learn more about our ability to manage risk and offer solutions. Fill out the form below and contact us today.

Updated January 16th 2024: Business continuity remains a buzzword for many types of organizations. AFIMAC has specialized in the planning and deployment of a wide range of services intended to keep the lights on and help you maintain operations regardless of the challenge at hand. Lean on AFIMAC for planning, along with endless response resources including human resources, equipment rentals, and mobile assets that can support you, your community, or your religious organization against any kind of risk.

Learn more and contact us directly by filling out the form below. We are happy to answer questions regarding your business continuity needs from organizations of all shapes and sizes.