Whether your business is small or big, you should never compromise its security. It’s the only way you can prevent intruders from damaging your business which can lead to dire consequences. If you want your business to succeed, then you must create a safe working environment for you, the employees and the customers.
Come to think of it, would you shop in a mall often attacked by thugs? Or better still, would you feel safe shopping on a site that can be hacked and your personal information retrieved? Higher chances are you wouldn’t dare. You are not the only one, even your clients won’t dare either. A lot of people shy away from places and sites they don’t feel safe and this can affect your business adversely. Furthermore, even your employees or your business associates may not feel safe to work with you if your business working environment is insecure. Again, your business deserves a safe and secure environment to thrive.
Benefits of keeping your business secure
Everyone strive to keep their homes safe and secure but fail to do the same on their businesses. Why? Most probably because they don’t see the need. If you haven’t made any extra effort to secure your business area because you don’t feel obligated to, here are benefits that can make you change your mind instantly.
1. Prevent a break-in
As a business person, never underestimate the consequences of a break-in. There are so many ways a break-in can damage your business. First of all, it can endanger your life and that of your employees. It can also cause your clients to believe that the location of your business is not safe for them. This can reduce sales and affect your business growth significantly. Besides, your trade secrets and your inventories can also be put at risk.
2. Reduce workplace stress
When you are confident with the security of your working area, you can concentrate on your work. Thus, become more productive. Naturally, when you leave home for work, you expect to find everything the way you left it the previous day. However, if you happen to find things amiss or suspect your business information has landed to the wrong hands, such thoughts can give you goose bumps and sleepless nights. Hence, it is important to keep your business area safe for your good and that of your employees.
Tips for keeping your business environs secure
Now that you know it is important to keep your business secure, here are tips that can help you do just that.
Install video cameras
If your business is busy with people going in and out, consider placing cameras at entry areas. The cameras won’t only record the people entering and leaving the premise but they will also deter people from attempting to access the unauthorized areas. Video cameras can also help to identify the people wishing to access the building if your exterior doors stay locked and unlock the door remotely, of course after verification.
Restrict access
If your business premises are large, it would be super effective to restrict access whenever possible. There is no point for employees to be in the office after working hours if they are not working overtime. Let the working hours be communicated to every employee at their time of joining the company. This way, if they go past those hours, then they should have a case to answer. You should also restrict access to certain areas such as computer rooms to fewer employees who are designated to work in those areas. This will help your business to secure sensitive information.
Use biometric fingerprint readers
Gone are days when people would write sensitive passwords on notebooks making it easier for intruders to access their information. Biometric security offers a solution to such issues and other countless security weaknesses in your business. Initially, people used things such as keycards or passwords to access computer systems or secure buildings but this comes with a number of limitations the main one being security issues. A perfect solution now is the use of biometric fingerprint readers. They are affordable, accurate and reliable.
Track employee movement
It is easier to know when employees are in the office if you usually operate during business hours. However, if you also operate at night, weekends and public holidays, this can be an uphill task. In that regard, it’s vital to establish a procedure which enables you to know when they are working. It will help you establish policies that will ensure they are safe at work and the workplace is secure as well. If you have employees working outside the main office, consider creating a system to track their movement. Have protocols on where they should be and at what times. This will guarantee you their safety and accountability.
Assign all keys
Accountability is very crucial. It helps employees to become responsible. If you have several keys placed at the reception desk unmonitored, chances are everyone can access certain rooms and do whatever they wish to do because they will not be held responsible. The best way to go about this issue is to number the keys and specifically assign them to relevant employees. That way, you have someone to hold responsible if something goes amiss. If you are giving keys to temporary employees or other individuals such as contractors, make sure the keys are returned at the end of the assignment and everything is intact.
Inspect the workplace
One of the best ways to know if your workplace is secure is through an inspection. After all, prevention is better than cure. Make sure you often update security procedures to avoid dealing with any kind of mishap. For a large business, have security personnel to deal with security issues. Let them inspect the premises from time to time and report immediately in case they notice anything abnormal. You should also have the security experts train your employees on security issues, how to deal with such issues and when to call for help.
The bottom line
Keeping an eye on your security systems and keeping them up to date will ensure a safer working environment for you, your employees and your esteemed customers. Therefore, safety measures for your office or business area are worth investing for. The results are amazing. While some of the above-mentioned tips may not be compatible with every business, use them to guide you to come up with the ones most suitable for your business.
