Q: How do I choose the right alternative workspace location?

Consider the transport links or parking facilities. If you’re planning for the threat of power cuts or regional evacuations, be sure to choose a location far enough away from the existing office not to be impacted by the same event. And consider your staff’s response to a new location – is it as accessible for your team and will they be happy to travel there?

Question 1

How do I choose which workplace recovery option is right for my business?

Accepted Answer

You may need a combination of all three - think about your workforce and the kind of support you'd need to keep critical (and non-critical) teams working. Dynamic gives you a functioning, private office space within a business day - we recommend this for 20% of your team. Reserve gives you a permanently reserved workspace - ideal for the 1% of roles. Rapid provides ad-hoc, emergency workspace to any member of your team who needs it.

Question 2

What can I expect from Regus in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

We understand the critical importance of keeping your business running and provide collaborative and proactive support in a crisis. John Frost, M&S Head of Business Continuity, explains how Regus worked with them during an emergency at their UK headquaters in Paddington, London: "Regus supported an interruption in which we were able to continue business as usual for more than 2,000 colleagues in our head office, due to a gas main being ruptured outside the building.

"The Regus team were able to identify alternative workspace in less than four hours, which was far quicker than the 24-hour SLA that we willingly signed up to. This was greatly appreciated as the incident was the Monday before Christmas and, therefore, a significant commercial time for our business. The Regus team understood the urgency of the situation and responded exceptionally well with clear communication a key part of the successful response."

Question 3

I have business interruption insurance - isn't that enough?

Accepted Answer

Business interruption insurance is not an answer to disaster – it may help limit financial loss, but it cannot return service to the customer, nor restore a lost reputation. Your business is most vulnerable when an unpredictable disaster strikes. Without a proper plan that considers every available solution, the chance of failure is greatly increased.

Question 4

What makes a good disaster recovery plan?

Accepted Answer

The best plans will strike a balance between:

- Dedicated workplace recovery for critical staff needing specialist equipment
    - Pre-designated office space for staff dealing with confidential information
    - Non-critical staff working at home during a recovery period
    - Facilitated flexible office spaces to maintain a team approach and allow access to facilities.

Question 5

What employee needs should I consider when thinking about a disaster recovery plan?

Accepted Answer

The best prepared businesses know what matters and what is needed to keep working. They also pay attention to the needs of employees during a disaster recovery operation. These needs might include:

- Family commitments
- The desire to work within a team
- Access to support networks
- Secure communications
- Modern facilities.

Question 6

How do I choose the right alternative workspace location?

Accepted Answer

Consider the transport links or parking facilities. If you&rsquo;re planning for the threat of power cuts or regional evacuations, be sure to choose a location far enough away from the existing office not to be impacted by the same event. And consider your staff&rsquo;s response to a new location &ndash; is it as accessible for your team and will they be happy to travel there?

Question 7

Can’t my staff just work from home?

Accepted Answer

The idea of working from home may initially seem like an attractive one, and may indeed be the best option for employees who already practice it, but when used only as an emergency option it makes many assumptions and is rarely sustainable in the longer term. There is an assumption that all employees have sufficiently fast, reliable and secure internet connections and communication networks. And disasters are not confined to commercial property alone – residential areas can also be hit, and often with far greater consequences. Also, it’s important to remember that staff working at home can quickly feel isolated, with a lack of interaction with colleagues.

Workplace Recovery

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