5 Tips for Improving Your Workplace Security

Did you know 2 million workers report being victims of workplace violence every year?

As an employer, if your workplace has never experienced any insecurity or violence cases, it’s easy to let your guard down. A person with criminal intent can break in and cause harm, a client can assault an employee, or your workers can turn on each other.

This is why it’s vital to take your workplace security seriously. Here is a guide on the steps you need to take.

1. Enforce Policies That Promote Security

Your company policies go a long way in keeping the workplace safe and secure.

As such, one of the first things you should do is to audit your existing security policies, identify gaps, and make the necessary changes. For instance, if you’ve been hiring workers without doing a criminal background check, it’s time to make the practice a company policy.

Also, make it your policy to conduct regular security awareness training. This way, your workers will stay up to date on security matters.

2. Implement Access Control

Yes, open office plans are the jam these days, but this doesn’t mean everyone should have access to every room in the office. The best way to prevent access to sensitive areas such as the server room is to deploy an access control system.

Depending on your system, you could issue your workers with keyless cards. This makes it simpler to remotely allocate access credentials and manage who has access to where.

3. Install Alarms and Surveillance Systems

Alarms and surveillance cameras are common in residential settings but not so much in commercial spaces. In fact, only 1 in 7 U.S. businesses (14 percent) have alarms and video surveillance systems.

Sure, the cost of security systems installation and maintenance can be high for a small business, but the return on investment is worth it. These systems not only discourage criminal activity but also make it easier to resolve insecurity-related issues. You can, for instance, use CCTV footage to investigate office theft.

4. Hire Security Guards

If your workplace covers an entire building, it’s not just enough to install alarms and CCTV cameras. Hire security guards too.

You see, guards are your first line of defense against criminal attacks, and they can always step in to de-escalate physical conflicts between employees and other security incidents in the office.

If you don’t own the building that houses your workplace, work with its management to get security guards on site.

5. Make Structural Change to Your Premises

Does the structural nature of your workplace building expose your office to security risks?

For example, if your office has clear windows facing a public area, prying eyes can look in and scan for valuables. Fortunately, there’s a quick solution to this vulnerability. Just hire a commercial window tinting service to safeguard the privacy of your people.

Another structural element to look into is the quality of your access doors. Are they reinforced to prevent unauthorized entry? If not, you can make reinforcements or install new high security doors.

Ramp Up Your Workplace Security

A secure workplace doesn’t only keep your workers, clients and physical assets safe. It also strengthens your brand, increases employee loyalty, and improves productivity.

Want your business to reap these benefits? Implement the workplace security tips fleshed out above and wait for the results!

And as you get your business’ physical security in order, don’t neglect IT security.