Travelers Insurance sponsored a survey, conducted in person at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce - America’s Small Business Summit, which revealed that 44 percent of small businesses did not have a written continuity plan, or any other type of document that explains what will happen to the business in the event of serious weather.No matter where your business is located bad weather is inevitable. Advanced planning will help you avoid the last minute uncertainties of managing absences and pay issues when the weather turns sour.Further developed businesses should be aware of local weather and its seasonal affects on their company and surrounding community. Whether a hurricane, blizzard, tornado or a torrential downpour, employers must have a written policy in place that clearly defines what constitutes bad weather. This will help you manage losses in the event of nasty weather and lessen the risk of your employees developing negative attitudes towards the business. Younger businesses may consider developing a Learn As You Go approach. This allows the employers and employees to work through the different weather scenarios and address them as they arise. By addressing these issues WITH your employees, employers can build trusted relationships with their employees, where everyone feels safe and accommodated. This often leads to greater productivity among your staff and a more relaxed work environment.