With temperatures set to rise, businesses are being encouraged to think beyond the immediate effects of hot weather and consider how prepared they are for disruption more broadly.
The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Resilience Forum’s Risk Ready programme highlights the importance of preparing for a range of risks, from heatwaves and severe weather to power outages, cyber incidents and other unexpected events. Communities and organisations that plan ahead are often able to respond more effectively and recover more quickly when disruption occurs.
For businesses, periods of extreme heat can create a range of challenges, including impacts on staff wellbeing, reduced productivity, transport disruption, supply chain pressures and increased demand on utilities. Taking simple steps now can help reduce the impact on your operations.
Looking After People
A heatwave is a timely reminder that resilience starts with people. Employers can help by:
- Encouraging staff to stay hydrated.
- Reviewing working arrangements where appropriate.
- Checking in on colleagues who may be more vulnerable to hot weather.
- Ensuring workplaces remain as cool and comfortable as possible.
As the Resilience Forum highlights, preparedness is most effective when everyone plays a part and looks out for one another.
Building Business Resilience
While hot weather may be today’s challenge, businesses should also consider their wider resilience planning. The LLR Resilience Forum recommends that organisations identify key risks, understand their critical business functions and develop a business continuity plan that can be adapted to different scenarios. These could include severe weather, utility failures, cyber attacks or the loss of key staff.
Even small businesses can benefit from having simple plans in place. Knowing how you would communicate with customers, access important information, continue critical services and support employees during disruption can make a significant difference.
Is Your Business Risk Ready?
The LLR Resilience Forum offers a range of free resources, guidance and tools to help businesses strengthen their resilience and prepare for future challenges. Their work recognises that resilient businesses help create resilient communities and local economies.
As temperatures rise this week, now is a good opportunity to review your plans, check on your people and consider what steps you can take to ensure your business is ready for whatever comes next.
