Intermediate level · Module 6: Office Continuity, Digital Change and Capstone · Lesson 1 of 3
Business Continuity for Offices
Plan how the office keeps working when things go wrong.
In this lesson you will
- Assess risks to office operations
- Write a continuity plan
Key concepts
risk assessmentcritical functionscontingency arrangementscontact trees
The lesson
Identify critical functions — payroll, payments, communication with staff and partners — and the risks that could stop them: power cuts, internet outages, office closure, loss of records.
For each risk, plan arrangements: generator and fuel, backup internet, off-site backups, remote work and an emergency contact tree.
Test parts of the plan and update it after any real incident.
Step by step
- List critical functions.
- Assess risks.
- Write contingency arrangements.
- Test one part of the plan.
Keeping the office running through a power and internet outage
The continuity steps an office follows when power and internet fail for several days.
Activate the plan
The office manager confirms the outage and informs staff through the phone contact tree.
Protect critical functions
Run the generator for payroll, payments and key communication at set hours; check fuel stock.
Switch connections
Use the backup mobile data router for email and essential systems.
Work from backups
Use the latest off-site backup and printed contact lists if the server or shared drive is unavailable.
Communicate
Tell partners and clients about delays and alternative contacts.
Recover and review
When services return, check data, update records made offline and improve the plan.
Result
Critical work continues, people are informed and lessons improve the plan for next time.
Practice activity
Write the office continuity plan.
Expected result: A tested plan covering realistic risks.
Check your understanding
-
What is a critical function?
Show answer
Work that must continue even during disruption.
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What is a contact tree?
Show answer
A plan for who calls whom so everyone is reached quickly.
Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.