A Guide To Improving Workplace Security
Keeping your workplace safe and secure is imperative if you want to ensure that your business remains solvent and your employees and clients stay out of harm’s way. Remember that offices, warehouses and other work premises are prime targets for criminals as they usually contain valuable items and data that can be used for financial gain. Fortunately, there are a number of ways in which you can improve the security of your workplace. We’ve put together a brief guide to get you started.
1. Put Together A Robust Data Security Plan
For many businesses, data is a primary and supremely valuable asset. In this way, it is important to protect data as you would precious physical items. You should base your data security plan around the idea that sensitive data should only be available to those employees who require access to it. This could involve restricting access to certain rooms and devices, as well as ensuring your cybersecurity software is updated on a regular basis.
2. Designate A Space For Valuable Item Storage
It is important to ensure that expensive equipment owned by your company is stored in a safe place. When people use the equipment, you should have a way of keeping track of its whereabouts to ensure that it is not stolen. As well as costing your business money in equipment loss, stolen devices such as laptops or tablets could lead to a very serious data breach. This could end up costing serious reputational and financial damage.
Stay on top of your valuables by creating a closely monitored device inventory. If a device is stolen, you will quickly be able to identify who is supposed to have possession of it and conduct a thorough investigation. Items and equipment can be stored in workplace lockers when not in use to keep them secure and organised. Another option for secure item storage is steel security cabinets which provide a robust and secure location to store high value, sensitive or hazardous items, protecting them from damage or theft.
3. Consider The Layout Of Your Office Space
Many offices nowadays are open-plan. This means that valuable items are often left in full view, a particular problem if your office is on the ground floor or features wide glass panels. In this way, it is a good idea to assess the layout of your space and potentially install a secure storage room to ensure important items are kept away from prying eyes. If you’re planning on refitting your office then take the opportunity to include appropriate security considerations in the design.
Creating dedicated archive rooms or storage areas within an office or other workspace provides a location to store valuable items and documents. These can include static shelving, or mobile shelving units which help to maximise storage within a given footprint. Shelving options include lockable doors which act as a further level of security for any stored items.
4. Invest In Security Equipment
There is plenty of highly effective security equipment out there to help protect your business. This could include:
CCTV
A CCTV system will let you monitor your workspace and act as a deterrent to theft or other undesirable behaviour. Having video evidence will enable you to quickly see what happened in the event of a burglary and can provide evidence should any prosecutions need to be brought.
Motion Detectors
Motion detectors are easy to install and will detect even the most stealthy of burglars. As well as protecting your business assets, a motion detector will bring your employees peace of mind.
Intruder Alarms
Intrusion systems are great for spotting and deterring criminals when your workspace is unmanned. Indeed, a robust intrusion system will alert you when a security threat is detected, allowing you to take immediate action.
Access Cards
It is very common for businesses to provide every employee with their own personal access card. Access cards allow employees to unlock the doors to their office space and help ensure that strangers cannot enter the building. Access cards can also be personalised, giving some employees special access to sensitive areas. This is particularly important for warehouse staff who may be working with expensive goods on a daily basis.
Security Cages
Mesh security cages are robust metal cages often used in warehouses. Security cages are ideal for storing high value items in a warehouse environment and for segregating stock to protect from theft, damage or vandalism. As well as protecting valuable commercial goods, they are an ideal solution for storing chemicals, gas bottles and other hazardous materials to ensure the safety of staff.
5. Introduce A Set Of Physical Security Procedures
Providing robust security procedures for staff members from the moment they join your team can help mitigate the chances of security breaches. Indeed, as soon as a security mindset is instilled in your employees, you can train them up to identify potential business threats and to learn about situational awareness.
You may also want to consider hiring specialists to help conduct training sessions.
6. Draw Up A Clear Emergency Plan
All businesses need to prepare for the worst, even if the chances of disaster striking are very low. Draw up an emergency plan and send it round to employees, covering aspects such as emergency alarms, evacuation procedures, and potential threats to life. Remember that security is about much more than just protecting your company’s finances: a strong emergency plan could end up saving a life.
Keep Your Business Productive With Appropriate Security
Appropriate security considerations mean that your employees will feel safe and secure in the working environment, which is important to help them stay productive. Customers and clients will also appreciate suitable workplace security in your business, giving them confidence that data is safe and that your organisation is organised and efficient. And if the worst should happen, having the appropriate security measures in place will minimise disruptions to your business and provide the best opportunity to recover any missing items as quickly as possible.