b'BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNINGCertainly,thepandemichasdrivenhometherealitythatGiven what MHBC Planning has observed in recent months, organizations must be ready for long-term events that take themZemenandhisteamhavedraftedanewre-openingplanand outoftheofficeforextendedperiodsoftime.Thisrequiresestablished new guidelines and protocols for the health and safety strategiesforreplacingboardroomdiscussionswithvirtualof staff and clients moving forward. As part of this plan, we will meetings,establishingdigitalcommunicationchannelsanddiscusswithstafftheCOVIDpandemicandlessonslearnedin embedding technologies that will keep teams intact, no matterpreparation for possible future pandemics, he notes.where they set up their office. AsOntariobeginstoliftitsrestrictions,itsunderstandable Speakingfromexperience,Hindeadds,Fortunately,SBAthat many employers will be looking to bring their teams back hasbeentransitioningfromserver-basedfilestoragetocloud- into the office. BCPs moving forward will also need to outline based storage, and this has enabled employees to access projecthow companies can bring their remote workers back into the fold information easily from their home offices. This was a proactivein the safest and most effective manner. Says Hinde: Although change that allowed for an easier transition to remote working. wehave proven to be productive and efficient working remotely, we recognize the value of in-person discussions and collaboration. As to whether the changes made for remote working will stick,Weintendtohavepoliciesestablishedandinplaceforstaff Scott says: COVID-19 may change the way business is conductedtransitioning into the office which willeffectively serve our clients for good and this may not always be a bad thing. The option ofand employees in a productive and safe manner.remote meeting participation has resulted in efficiencies for ourWere in this together has become a familiar refrain during office and is one change we would be content to see remain. theCOVID-19pandemic.Indeed,animportanttakeawayfrom READY TO PROTECTthe pandemic is that times like these require all organizations to enhance communications, share knowledge, and work together to BCPs have typically included strategies for protecting employeesmake it through as one. When support is out there, its a good during times of crisis. In a post-pandemic world, however, plans foridea to take advantage of that, says Scott, noting that this could social distancing, quarantine measures and disease mitigation willinclude participating in federal and provincial programs developed become commonplace. From the start of COVID-19, we identi- to offset short- and long-term impacts to businesses. fied that the top priority was to protect employee health and safety and set clear business continuity objectives, says Zemen. As aThe full impact of COVID-19 will likely take years to understand. result, we made new health and safety protocols and prepared anIn the meantime, employers in the aggregate community are taking of COVID-19. future health crises.updated business plan that takes into effect the potential impactsa fresh look at their BCPs so they can be in a stronger position for Automated Engineering Technologies Ltd.Serving the Aggregate Industry Since 1993Surveying and Technical Services- Aerial Surveys- Topographic Ground Surveys- Stockpile Volume Analysis- Overburden . Reserve Volume SurveysStratfordGuelph(519)273-9318 (519)821-8644www.autoengtech.on.caFALL 2020AVENUES 17'