What is a business continuity plan?

A business continuity plan is fundamentally an outline of processes designed to ensure that essential functions can continue during and after a disruption. This plan is crucial for organizations to prepare for unexpected events such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, or any situation that could impact their operation. The primary goal of a business continuity plan is to minimize the impact of these disruptions on the organization's ability to deliver goods and services, thereby ensuring a swift recovery and continuity in operations.

The plan typically includes risk assessments, recovery strategies, and communication protocols to support staff and stakeholders during crisis situations. This proactive approach enables companies to manage potential threats effectively and sustain their critical functions, safeguarding their long-term viability. Thus, the essence of a business continuity plan lies in its focus on maintaining and recovering essential services rather than solely focusing on profit maximization, employee satisfaction, or training methods.