Relying on Standards in a ‘new’ world

How disruptions can shape the future  

When a company faces challenges associated with how they operate (i.e. processes, efficiencies and outputs), it can force the need for structural, management and workplace changes. However, these shifts should not always be viewed as a negative outcome. These challenges can present opportunities to future-proof a business when faced with other disruptions and move towards a more agile approach in changing landscapes. 

Major events, such as COVID-19, has led to the realisation that the ability to change and remain flexible is a valuable asset to progress into a 'new' world.  

Standards leading the way forward

Companies who are taking the time to assess their current processes and strategies across all areas of their business are one step closer to a more resilient, flexible and improved future. 

To assist with this transition into the 'new' world, Standards can provide the information needed to identify and improve strategies, processes and policies. Following International and/or Local Standards can help form the framework and provide guidance on the steps a business can take to transition into a dynamic world.  

Here are three management Standards to help form the core operating structure of a business. These standards can accompany existing strategies and build a path for new operating structures and practices.

ISO 9001 - Quality management

Quality management focuses on the policies and processes throughout the organisation, e.g. planning, production and development, in order to assist with consistency and customer satisfaction of the product or service.  

ISO 9001 defines the requirements for a quality management system for a business to consistently meet customer or regulatory needs and demands and aims to enhance customer satisfaction through processes that identify areas of opportunity and improvement. 

A comprehensive quality management system can help balance the objectives and needs of all stakeholders, ensure the business can monitor and evaluate performance, promote customer satisfaction, improve company culture and help understand which areas are underperforming and where there is potential for growth. 

ISO 31000 - Risk management   

Organisations need to consider a variety of risks in this dynamic world in order to plan for, mitigate and respond to them in ways that would least alter the business. Risks can include damage to brand reputation, cybercrimes, pandemics, even social, environmental and political risks and much more.  

Risk management are the processes and strategies that help to identify, assess, mitigate or manage and respond to threats and risks that could impact business operations and outputs. ISO 31000 is the International Standard that provides guidelines on managing risk faced by an organisation. 

The ability to manage a variety of risks can help provide the assurance and resilience a business needs to adapt to challenging times, assisting with navigating a changing environment. 

ISO 45001 - Occupational health and safety (OH&S)

Major disruptions to a workplace, work conditions or the business can have devastating affects to employees. Organisations which prioritise employee safety, reduce risks and work towards a safer work environment have an advantage when adapting to challenging times. 

ISO 45001 specifies the requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system to provide safe and secure workplaces. This International Standard provides guidance for the use of these systems, aims to prevent work-related injuries and can enable an organisation to proactively and continually improve its OH&S performance. 

The importance of employee safety, security and health will always remain a priority, regardless of the challenges a business may face when adapting to a changing world and business landscape.  

The opportunities for a 'new' world  

As Standards help to drive a best practice approach for organisations of any size, in any industry. Adopting and implementing the information that Standards offer can shape the future of a business and present opportunities to better manage risk, employees and overall continue to meet objectives when challenges arise.