For the last year and some, the word resilience has appeared in media in so many different contexts. So, the question of ‘Got resilience?’ is also about got resilience in what? There are a number of different areas that resilience is particularly pertinent.
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses, communities and governments have been forced into developing a different type of resilience than in the past. Most countries around the world have experienced severe forms of restrictions by way of lockdowns which have hindered business and personal travel locally and abroad. This has led to a form of global resilience where by countries have restricted travel in an effort to contain the spread of the virus.
The onset of the pandemic meant that businesses needed to test their resilience as millions of people were forced to work from home. Business supply chains have been disrupted too. Business resilience has been a focus area with reviews on operational resilience and business continuity. Many businesses have had to do more than update their resilience plans but also revisit their overall strategy for relevance.
Another form of resilience highlighted recently by the civil unrest, violence and looting is community resilience. Law abiding citizens of the country realised that they could not rely on the government to safeguard them or their possessions and came together to help each other. Organisations should acknowledge the hardship and difficulties their employees may be going through and look at ways to safeguard and maintain the physical and emotional well-being of their employees who form part of these resilient communities.
Failing municipal service delivery, corruption and incompetence brings public sector resilience into the conversation. Not a new entry to the risk register but whether it is a power outage, water shortage or similar crisis precipitated by a failure in public sector services, businesses and individuals should include it in their resilience plan.
Climate Change and its consequences are still impacting businesses globally. Organisations still need to review their resilience capability in respect to natural disasters which appear to be on the increase.
So, when you answer the question ‘Got Resilience?’ be clear about what resilience you have. Consider the appropriate prioritisation amongst those resiliencies in accordance with your risk appetite. Given the broad nature and number of different types of resilience an organisation needs to cover, it has become an imperative to weave a golden thread through the strategy, risk profile and resilience in place for organisations.
In an ever increasing volatile world, are you resilient enough?
