Automation and AI are changing the face of IT service, but some things never change. When incidents happen, people, processes, and tools must converge to comprehend and tame a whirlwind of complexity and change. Minutes are counted in monetary measures.
This webinar takes a clear, research-based approach to building the business case for adaptive incident response. Join Valerie O’Connell, Research Director for Enterprise Management Associates, a leading research firm and Matt Frauenhoffer, a hands-on ITOps practitioner from Everbridge as they share a qualitative and quantitative approach to the topic.
In this guide, we will cover the three primary reasons why tornado preparedness is vital for the success of emergency managers.
Workplace violence is a significant concern that affects employee well-being and safety as well as the overall success of a business. According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workplace violence impacts over 37,000 US workers each year. This issue not only poses severe consequences for all employees but can introduce hefty costs for organizations. As employers, it is crucial to prioritize the safety of employees and take proactive measures to prevent workplace violence and maintain operations.
In this blog, we will explore practical strategies to ensure safe workplaces and reduce the risk of violence. If you’d like information specifically about active shooter preparedness, read our new “2023 Active Shooter Preparedness Report” to learn valuable insights from over 800 organizations.
1. Create violence, harassment, and bullying prevention policies
Establishing comprehensive policies addressing violence, harassment, and bullying is essential. These policies should clearly define unacceptable behavior, provide guidelines for reporting incidents, and outline disciplinary measures. By establishing a zero-tolerance approach and communicating it to all employees, organizations can foster a culture of respect and create a safer work environment. Regularly review and update these policies to ensure their effectiveness and alignment with evolving workplace dynamics.
2. Implement training and awareness programs
Training and awareness programs play a crucial role to prevent workplace violence. These programs should cover topics such as anti-bullying strategies, conflict resolution, mental health awareness, and the five types of violence (criminal intent, customer/client, worker-on-worker, domestic, and ideological). By educating employees on recognizing warning signs, managing conflicts, and promoting a culture of non-violence, organizations can empower individuals to respond effectively. Offer periodic refresher training sessions to reinforce these principles and provide employees with the tools to de-escalate potentially volatile situations.
3. Establish clear reporting procedures
Employees need to feel confident in reporting incidents without fear of retaliation. Employers should establish reporting mechanisms that ensure trust, confidentiality, and a commitment to addressing concerns promptly. It is crucial to communicate these reporting procedures clearly to every employee, making them aware of the channels available and emphasizing that their safety is a top priority. Provide multiple avenues for reporting, such as anonymous hotlines or online reporting systems, to accommodate different preferences and comfort levels.
4. Enhance site security measures
Implementing security measures can significantly help prevent workplace violence. This includes visitor access management, video surveillance systems, security guards or patrols, entry systems (such as key cards or pins), and panic buttons. By having these measures in place, and integrating systems, organizations can deter potential threats and provide a sense of security to employees. Conduct regular assessments of security protocols to identify any vulnerabilities and make necessary improvements to ensure an effective security infrastructure.
5. Perform regular risk assessments
Regular risk assessments are vital for identifying potential areas of improvement. Assessments should evaluate training completion rates, adherence to policies, and any gaps in preventive measures. By conducting thorough risk assessments, organizations can proactively address vulnerabilities and take corrective actions to enhance safety protocols. Engage employees in the risk assessment process by soliciting their feedback and observations to gain valuable insights into potential risks and implement targeted interventions.
6. Use communication channels to ensure employee safety
In dangerous or life-threatening situations, effective communication channels are critical. Employers should utilize emergency communication tools and systems to disseminate timely information to employees. Emergency notification systems, mobile apps, or panic buttons can be employed to quickly alert and guide employees during crises, ensuring their safety. Conduct regular drills and simulations to familiarize employees with emergency procedures and test the efficiency of communication channels.
7. Maintain a healthy workplace
A healthy work environment contributes to overall employee well-being and reduces the likelihood of violence. Organizations should foster a professional and caring workplace culture that promotes open communication, work-life balance, and professional development opportunities. Implementing employee well-being programs and providing resources for mental health support can also contribute to a positive and safe work environment. Encourage open dialogue, establish employee assistance programs, and offer flexible work arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
8. Conduct post-event analysis
Following any workplace violence incident, a thorough post-event analysis is crucial. This analysis involves assessing the reasons behind the event, identifying any system failings, and determining what preventive measures can be implemented to prevent similar incidents. By learning from past experiences, organizations can adapt policies and prevention methods to strengthen their overall safety protocols. Involve employees in the analysis process by encouraging them to provide insights and suggestions for improvement.
Build resilience against workplace violence
Preventing workplace violence is an imperative responsibility for employers. By implementing preventive measures such as comprehensive policies, training programs, effective reporting systems, security measures, regular risk assessments, communication channels, and maintaining a healthy work environment, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of workplace violence.
It is vital to continuously evaluate and improve preventive strategies to ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of employees. Together, we can create workplaces where employees feel protected, respected, and can thrive without the fear of violence. By prioritizing safe environments, employers demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being and create a foundation for a harmonious and productive workplace.
For more specific information on active shooter preparedness, download this year’s, “2023 Active Shooter Preparedness Report”. Learn from over 800 organizations on this important topic and how to do better to keep our people safe and organizations running.
The duty to care for employees and protect them from undue risk has never been more important. Each year, the U.S. experiences an estimated 240 million calls made to 9-1-1. Because of this, lawmakers have enacted federal regulations like Kari’s Law and the RAY BAUM’s Act. These legislations help ensure certain protections are provided during emergency situations. For example, emergency calls must be routed to the correct call center and a caller’s exact location needs to be easily identifiable.
Mass notifications help organizations fulfill their duty of care
However, businesses should not just prioritize compliance with these important federal legislations. Leaders need to be able to quickly alert their people to keep them out of harm’s way. By integrating E911 technology with enhanced notification and alerting software, organizations can ensure 100% compliance while protecting their people. These solutions help to define the “who, when, and where” during emergency situations and automatically communicate this information to employees. Below, we will explain the many benefits organizations gain by integrating E911 and mass notification systems.
Organizations have an obligation to keep employees safe, whether they are on-site, working remotely, or traveling for business. Businesses and security professionals must be able to effectively respond to physical and digital threats that might impact their teams. This responsibility is only magnified by today’s increase in risk events.
With an automated mass notification system, organizations can quickly reach team members anywhere, anytime. Leaders can notify their teams in case of emergency, enable reliable two-way communication, and mobilize a response team if necessary.
Read our white paper, “From Chaos to Control: The importance of integrated notification and response systems in emergency situations”, to learn more.
E911 technology enables compliance with U.S. federal legislation
Organizations are now required to comply with two E911 regulations: Kari’s Law and the RAY BAUM’s Act:
Kari’s Law
Kari’s Law requires that anyone must be able to dial 9-1-1 from a multi-line telephone system (MLTS) and reach services without interruption or delay. The law was made in honor of Kari Hunt whose daughter tried dialing 9-1-1 on her behalf. However, she could not reach help due to having to dial “9” before 9-1-1.
The RAY BAUM’s Act
The RAY BAUM’s Act requires organizations to automatically provide an emergency caller’s “dispatchable location” to the nearest emergency call center or Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). The dispatchable location must include detailed location information such as a street address, floor, apartment, or suite number. The goal is for emergency responders to be able to find the caller without undue delay.
These regulations ensure that individuals receive critical help as quickly and easily as possible during emergencies. Additionally, Kari’s Law and the RAY BAUM’s Act helps responders reach a caller’s exact location even inside large, crowded buildings. E911 solutions ensure compliance with these two federal regulations and help fulfill an organization’s duty of care to employees. With cloud-based E911 solutions, companies can protect their workforce, especially as mobile and work-from-home models become the standard.
E911 addresses three business challenges:
- Find: Quickly locate an employee who dials 9-1-1.
- Route: Correctly route a 9-1-1 call to the PSAP closest to the caller’s location versus the headquarters’ location.
- Notify: Ensure on-site security is aware of the emergency, where it is located in the building or campus, and whether they can provide additional help to the emergency caller or first responders upon arrival.
More powerful together: Combining RedSky E911 and mass notification with incident communications
Organizations can enhance emergency management, streamline everyday operations, and strengthen organizational resilience with an integrated E911 and mass notification solution. Automating mass notifications helps to increase efficiency and improve the impact your team members can make in critical situations.
Overall, organizations need to uphold their duty of care to employees and promote a safe, secure environment. Beyond that, compliance with Kari’s Law and the RAY BAUM’s Act is a federal mandate. Companies may be liable if emergency callers cannot reach 911 services or be located within your enterprise. Organizations can achieve duty of care and federal compliance goals by combining E911 and mass notification technology.
Everbridge provides organizations in the U.S. and Canada with a world-class, integrated E911 and mass notification solution. E911 powered by RedSky ensures federal E911 compliance while Everbridge Mass Notification enhances incident communications. Whether on or off campus, our platform dynamically locates users, routes the 9-1-1 call to the nearest PSAP, and notifies security personnel. Everbridge can also automatically alert designated individuals of the emergency and leaders can facilitate evacuations or take additional actions if necessary.
To begin your journey toward compliance and a safer, more resilient organization, read “From Chaos to Control: The importance of integrated notification and response systems in emergency situations”.
Curious about enhancing your notification capabilities or complying with federal E911 legislation? Get in touch at redskypartners@everbridge.com to learn more.
Recent years have been marked by a series of critical events that have challenged the resilience of organizations across the globe. From cyberattacks to natural disasters, these events have demonstrated the importance of strengthening organizational resilience. Companies that fail to prioritize resilience and prepare for the unexpected can face severe consequences, including lost revenue, damaged reputation, and even failure.
However, there are critical event management solutions specifically developed to help organizations mitigate the impact of critical events and build resilience, such as those offered by Everbridge. These solutions not only empower leaders to manage the entire lifecycle of critical events, from assessing and responding to performing post-mortem analysis, but also offer a tangible return on investment. In fact, a 2023 commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting found that a composite organization based on interviewed customers using Everbridge CEM experienced a 358% return on investment over a 3-year period. This statistic highlights the crucial role that critical event management solutions play in building organizational resilience and effectively mitigating the impact of unexpected events. Whether they are a result of a disaster or natural causes, Everbridge can help organizations better navigate unpredictable disruptions and reduce impact across operations.
ROI and building resilience
If resilience is the ability to withstand and recover from challenges effectively, then in business terms it only makes sense that building a resilient organization would positively impact ROI.
Take for example building resilient digital systems. Complex IT systems have several failure points, and it only takes one system change to cause a domino effect of failures and outages. Those outages could lead to websites and applications going offline, ecommerce sites no longer taking orders, or end-users being without a crucial service. These events can end up costing the business significantly, be it from the lack of purchases being made, the cost of overtime hours for employees to resolve the issue, or damaging customer relationships that may result in canceled contracts.
But, when the same organization builds resilience into its systems, these events can be minimized if not completely avoided. A digital platform that protects against service issues and alerts on-call responders to areas of concern before they become problems, ensures that the system is always operational. As noted in the Research Behind Resilience, “Decreased costs from IT downtime saved up to two million over three years.”
Key ROIs and VOIs of organizational resilience
Organizational resilience is a critical factor in ensuring a company’s survival and success in today’s unpredictable business environment. In addition to reducing the impact of unexpected events, critical event management solutions can also offer a significant return on investment (ROI) and value on investment (VOI).
ROIs refer to the direct financial benefits that result from investing in resilience programs. These can include savings from reduced downtime, lower costs associated with damage and recovery, and protection of the bottom line. On the other hand, VOIs refer to the less tangible benefits that arise from investing in resilience solutions, such as building a resilient culture, better training for employees, and gaining a competitive advantage.
When investing in resilience, companies can expect to see several key ROIs and VIOs.
Return on Investment
- Reduction in downtime costs
Downtime can have a significant impact on an organization’s revenue, reputation, and customer service. For example, data breaches are a common occurrence affecting organizations and can increase downtime, reducing revenue. With a reliable solution in place, organizations can minimize the duration and severity of downtime in the event of an unexpected event, reducing the impact on operations and costs. - Reduction of recovery time and resources
Resilience solutions can reduce the amount of time and resources required to recover from an unexpected event. This can include reducing recovery time objectives (RTOs) and recovery point objectives (RPOs), as well as minimizing the time required for data backup and restoration. By reducing the time and resources required to recover from unexpected events, organizations can save money and improve their overall operational efficiency. - Reduction of a financial impact
Protecting the bottom line is a crucial part of ROI. Resilience solutions can help protect an organization’s bottom line by minimizing the financial impact of unexpected events. This can include reducing damage costs, minimizing revenue losses, and avoiding the costs associated with lawsuits or regulatory fines. By protecting the bottom line, organizations can ensure their financial stability and continued success. These benefits can help organizations maintain their operational efficiency, financial stability, and competitive advantage in the face of unexpected events.
Value on Investment
- Demonstrate a culture of resilience
Employees today value organizations that demonstrate a commitment to the safety and well-being of their workforce. Investing in resilience solutions helps leaders fulfill their duty of care to their teams by keeping them safe, productive, and empowered to succeed even during critical events. - Enhance training capabilities
Investing in resilience solutions can provide organizations with extensive training modules that enable teams to better manage operations during disruptions. For example, Everbridge provides a hub of over 250+ interactive self-service resources to prepare your team to be confident in their decisions using Everbridge’s critical event management solutions. - Gain a competitive edge
The ability to offer services when competitors cannot is an invaluable advantage. With the help of sophisticated automation, critical event management solutions allow organizations to stay ahead of threats and their competition.
Conclusion
Building organizational resilience is vital to ensure the long-term success of any organization. With Everbridge, businesses can build resilience in all areas of their operations; from digital resilience with products like xMatters, physical resilience with products like Mass Notification and RedSky, and even resilience while on the move with products like Travel Risk Management.
To learn more about the importance of resilience for North American organizations, download the eBook The Research Behind Resilience: Why Prioritizing and Investing in Resilience Matters.
The costs associated with climate change are mounting, with significant financial losses affecting organizations across industries. The financial impact of climate change is expected to become more extreme with time. Without proactive measures in place to protect organizations, the costs alone could devastate businesses.
According to the 2022 Navigating Climate Threats and Proactive Mechanisms to Achieve Business Climate Resilience report commissioned by Everbridge, “record numbers of severe weather events attributed to climate change—such as hurricanes, droughts, extreme temperatures, and flooding—have resulted in more than $2.2 billion in damage to physical assets in the US alone.” Climate-related disasters are only increasing, which is in turn increasing the costs associated without proper mitigation steps.
The financial impact of climate change on organizations
The cost of climate change on organizations is multi-faceted, and the consequences can be severe. Extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and hurricanes can damage physical assets and disrupt supply chains. The cost of replacing damaged equipment and inventory, along with the costs associated with repairs, downtime, and lost productivity, can significantly impact a company’s bottom line. In addition to the direct costs, businesses may also face legal liabilities and reputational damage.
For example, in February 2021 a severe winter storm hit Texas, causing widespread power outages and water shortages. This resulted in disruptions to various industries, including oil and gas, chemical, and manufacturing, and the estimated cost of damages was over $10 billion. The storm forced companies to halt production, leading to lost revenue and supply chain disruptions. In addition, companies faced legal liabilities and reputational damage due to their inadequate preparation and response to the extreme weather event.
The impact of climate change on supply chains can also be significant. As climate change affects agricultural yields, energy availability, and transport infrastructure, organizations that depend on global supply chains may face disruptions and increased costs. This can lead to increased prices for consumers, decreased demand, and lower revenue for businesses.
Real estate and infrastructure assets are also at risk due to climate change. Rising sea levels, increased flooding, and extreme weather events can damage properties, resulting in loss of property value and repair costs. In some cases, businesses may be forced to relocate or shut down operations entirely.
For example, in July 2021, parts of Germany and Belgium experienced extreme floods, leading to significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses—not to mention the loss of life. The floods caused disruptions in the supply chain, with roads and railways blocked, and power outages affecting the functioning of businesses. Chemical factories were shut down due to the floods, leading to a shortage of raw materials for other industries. The economic impact of the floods was estimated to be billions of euros, with businesses facing significant costs for repairs, lost production, and lost revenue. This event highlights the need for organizations to consider the potential impacts of climate change on their supply chain and develop proactive measures to mitigate the risks.
The consequences of climate change are not just environmental but also economic and social, with far-reaching effects that are being felt by individuals, businesses, and governments alike. Urgent action is needed to mitigate the effects of climate change, including implementing proactive measures to protect organizations and individuals from the financial impact of climate disasters.
Steps organizations can take to mitigate the risks
To mitigate the risks associated with climate change, organizations can take several proactive measures. One of the most crucial steps is to assess the risks and vulnerabilities of their operations and supply chains. This involves identifying areas that are most at risk and developing contingency plans to manage disruptions. Organizations can also reduce their carbon footprint by adopting sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient processes and renewable energy sources.
Investing in resilient infrastructure and real estate can also help businesses protect themselves from the impact of climate change. This includes designing buildings and properties that can withstand extreme weather events and protect assets. Another key strategy is to build a resilient supply chain by diversifying suppliers, developing local sourcing options, and investing in technology that can monitor supply chain risks.
By taking these steps, businesses can proactively protect themselves from the impact of climate change and create a more sustainable future. It’s not just the right thing to do for the environment and society, but also for a business’s bottom line.
Solutions for your organization
The financial impact of climate change will become more extreme with time, and without proactive measures to protect organizations, the costs could cripple organizations. The evidence is clear that the cost of climate change is significant and growing. It is imperative that organizations take action now to mitigate the effects of climate change and build resilience to protect their people, products, and supply chains.
Everbridge provides organizations with a platform and a comprehensive suite of tools that enable them to prepare for, respond to, and recover from any climate disaster, reducing costs and keeping people safe. With our public safety, digital operations, people resilience, business operations, and smart security solutions, the Everbridge critical event management platform provides organizations with the tools and capabilities needed to reduce financial vulnerabilities and keep organizations running.
Download the complete white paper “Focusing on climate resilience can reduce financial vulnerabilities for organizations” to learn more about how Everbridge can help your organization be successful.