Businesses across the country have had the first of several difficult days as heavy snowfall has crippled parts of the UK.
The difficult weather conditions have taken many businesses by surprise, with numerous firms shutting the doors as employees cannot get to work. Others are making do with a skeleton staff.
The snow has highlighted the importance of contingency planning and home working arrangements. Many companies are enduring a lost day at a time when it can least be afforded.
According to Seth Shaw, managing director of LogMeIn, a company specialising in remote working, advance planning is important if business owners wish to minimise disruption. "The customers I speak with are concerned about the impact that disruptive events like a snow storm or transit strike can have on employee absenteeism and their business," Mr Shaw said. "Having a plan in place can make a big difference."
An increasing number of firms are beginnning to invest in remote working solutions. This has become more popular in recent months as firms look to cut down on office maintenance costs and employees' other attendant expenses. But this trend looks set to increase as business managers are prompted into action by the snow.
The government has also encouraged firms to make advance plans for snow and other disruptive events. Further information on business contingency planning is available on the government's Business Link website.
