Does your
organization have an employee or volunteer who would make it nearly
impossible to complete essential work if they didn’t show up? You may
be an expert at your job, but you may also need to know what your
co-workers do or have been doing if they’re suddenly unable to work.
Vital team members might need to take a step
back if flooding affects their home. During a pandemic, you might be
short-staffed due to illnesses or other emergencies.
As part of your organization’s activities
around preparing for emergencies, identifying key staff functions and
developing strategies to backfill their roles are important steps to
take if you want to keep your organization open. FEMA’s Organizations Preparing for Emergency Needs
(OPEN) can help. This is a critical part of preparing for
a disaster, whether you’re a nonprofit, small business, or
faith-based organization.
When
approaching the task of cross-training, consider these questions:
- Which
positions at your organization require cross-training?
- How
does your organization keep track of staff trainings,
certifications, and qualifications?
- Does
your organization regularly offer opportunities for employees to
train in different areas, such as disaster preparation or
emergency management and communications?
Make sure you have an organizational chart
and update it regularly. The first step in cross-training might be to
develop a skills matrix that lists and tracks each person’s
capabilities. This tool could be valuable for leaders who need to
delegate responsibilities during emergencies. Next, connect with your
human resources department to help staff get the training they need
to keep your doors open. Read More…
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