Coronavirus BCPs to ensure continuity and minimal disruption

Summary

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, Singapore has issued stay-at-home notices affecting residents and foreign workers returning from mainland China. The number of confirmed cases has risen to 84, prompting businesses to activate their business continuity plans (BCPs). Major banks have split teams to maintain critical operations, while smaller companies are adjusting work shifts to minimize contact. Despite the swift implementation, challenges persist, including monitoring productivity and technical issues. Experts emphasize the need for adaptability and strong communication between employers and employees to sustain operations in this evolving situation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Stay-home notices have been issued to 77 individuals, including Singapore residents and foreign workers who traveled to mainland China in the last 14 days.
• 😀 The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Singapore has risen to 84, with several linked to known clusters.
• 😀 Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) have been activated by many companies to ensure operational continuity amid the outbreak.
• 😀 Major banks have implemented measures such as splitting staff into separate teams to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
• 😀 Companies are adopting various strategies, including remote work and staggered shifts, to manage their workforce effectively.
• 😀 Challenges faced by businesses include monitoring employee productivity while working from home and addressing technical issues.
• 😀 Experts suggest that the sustainability of BCPs relies on companies' ability to adapt and respond to the evolving situation.
• 😀 Continuous communication between employers and employees is essential to navigate the challenges of remote work.
• 😀 Organizations may incur additional costs to upgrade technology and enhance remote working capabilities.
• 😀 There is uncertainty about how long the outbreak will last, emphasizing the need for flexibility in business operations.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the stay-home notices issued by immigration officers?

The stay-home notices were issued to Singapore residents, long-term pass holders, and foreign workers who had traveled to mainland China in the last 14 days to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

How many coronavirus cases were confirmed in Singapore at the time of the report?

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Singapore had grown to 84.

What measures are businesses taking in response to the raised disease outbreak response level?

Many businesses have activated their Business Continuity Plans (BCPs), which include measures like working from home, splitting teams, and staggering work shifts to reduce cross-contamination.

What challenges are companies facing while implementing their BCPs?

Companies are experiencing challenges related to productivity, technical issues with remote work systems, and difficulties in monitoring employee engagement while working from home.

How have major banks in Singapore adjusted their operations in response to the outbreak?

Major banks, such as UOB and OCBC, have split their staff involved in critical functions into separate teams to ensure continuity of operations.

What did human resource experts suggest about the sustainability of BCPs?

HR experts indicated that BCPs are sustainable only if companies are willing to adapt to the evolving virus situation and are prepared to incur extra costs for necessary upgrades.

What is essential for companies to transition back to more normal operations?

Effective communication between employers and employees is crucial to ensure that everyone is informed about changes and expectations as the situation evolves.

What kind of adjustments might companies need to make to their BCPs?

Companies may need to adjust their expectations, operating models, and invest in upgraded teleconferencing tools and network security to support remote work.

How many cases linked to clusters were reported, and which clusters were mentioned?

Two new cases were linked to clusters: one to the Great Assembly of God cluster and another to the Live Church and Missions cluster.

What advice was given to employees who are not used to working from home?

Employees were reminded that unless they are under quarantine, they can step outside and practice good hygiene, helping them maintain productivity and energy.