When the federal government considers how it prepares for national disasters or terrorist attacks, each federal agency develops a continuity of operations program, known as "COGS."

COGS helps spell out the preparedness of the agency, and the procedures it will follow to ensure the organization will continue. 

These procedures often involve abilities and plans to work remotely, using technology, or flexibility in how federal workers get the job done.  When I was at the U.S. Department of Labor, we had specific flexibility plans to ensure our organization could be successful if something unexpected and challenging happened. 

The outbreak of swine flu in America could be the unexpected event that requires COGS for American businesses and families.  Not many large, let alone medium or small companies, have plans to keep the business going in case of a major flu event in America.

What about families?  If families are kept apart or stranded in different places, how would they stay involved and connected?

Workplace flexiblity can help.  There is already a major and growing need for workers to have more ability to work remotely and for businesses to develop flexible work arrangements.  The potential outbreak of flu in America punctuates the critical nature of workplace flexibility plans to allow workers to work from home, stay in touch with family members and be attached to work even if something terrible happens with the flu outbreak.

The federal government has allocated billions for infrastructure spending, but the potential of the flu outbreak now and other outbreaks in the future argues for major investments in electronic infrastructure now to allow for flexibility in how work gets done and in how families communicate. 

American companies and families need their own COGS plan in case the worst scenarios of swine flu becomes a reality.  Now is the time for government, business and the American people to work together through workplace flexibility.  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.