Security measures are not an optional extra for your office. There were more than 1 million burglaries in 2018, causing an estimated loss of $3.4 billion overall. Money isn’t the only thing at risk, either.
If someone breaks into your office, they could harm you or other employees. You don’t want to put people’s health or lives at risk, so security is a worthwhile investment. That said, it can be hard to know where to start.
Safety doesn’t have to be expensive or intrusive. To help you out, here are five small ways you can make a big difference in office security.
1. Use ID Badges
Identity badges are a great way to know who is coming in and out of the building. They’re not invasive or cumbersome, they’re easy to track and they’re affordable. You can use IDs as simple as a nametag or go with electronic keycards to grant employees access to the office.
On top of issuing IDs to employees, you should consider requiring guests to wear them. By stopping visitors to have them fill out an ID badge, you’ll have a record of who is in the office at all times.
If you do start using IDs, be sure to require them of everyone who comes into the office. That means not just employees and visitors, but also inspectors, vendors and even corporate officials.
2. Stay Organized
Did you know that keeping things neat and tidy can improve security? Having a specific place for everything in the office can help you keep track of it. If something goes missing, you’ll know about it.
If you institute a clean desk policy, you can help keep sensitive information safe. Employees may write down things like passcodes or client info. If this stays out in the open, you don’t know who may see it. If everyone clears their workspaces at the end of the day, you eliminate this concern.
People breaking into the office aren’t your only threat. Making sure your office is organized and clean helps prevent internal theft.
3. Limit Digital Access
In 2020, security needs to cover more than just physical assets. Cybercrime is growing faster than any other crime in the U.S. You need to secure your digital info, and a simple first step to do that is limiting digital access.
Not everyone in the office needs to access everything. Limit sensitive information to only those who work with it. You can do this by setting up multiple password-protected walls people have to go through before accessing anything.
For the most sensitive data, use multi-factor authentication. That way, if someone happens to get a password they shouldn’t have, they still can’t get in.
4. Improve Your Screws
Improving office security doesn’t have to mean making big, sweeping changes. Doing something as small as changing the screws in your doors and devices can have a considerable impact on security. People can get around locks with just a screwdriver, but not if you use tamper-proof screws.
Tamper-proof screws require a specialized tool to unfasten, so people can’t remove them with a screwdriver. Some of these fasteners are a hassle to take out even with the right tool. They’ll discourage and prohibit anyone from trying to break into whatever they fasten.
You’ll see safe screws labeled as either “tamper-resistant” or “tamper-proof.” Tamper-resistant screws, as the name implies, are difficult to tamper with, while tamper-proof ones are virtually impossible. Consider your needs before making your choice.
5. Create a Culture of Security
Maybe the best, and least inconvenient, way you can improve office security is by fostering a culture of safety. What does having a culture of safety mean? It’s having shared beliefs and practices about security in the office.
If everyone in the office is aware of security risks and how to avoid them, they’ll practice safer behavior. Hold regular meetings to let everyone know about developing risks and remind them of safe practices. Lead by example and hold everyone to the same standards.
The Fight Against Carelessness
You’ll avoid a lot of security risks if you avoid carelessness. When your workplace environment encourages and allows for a culture of safety, your security will improve by miles.
Office security is a serious matter, but the steps toward it are simple.
Author Bio:
Dylan Bartlett, aka, “The Regular Guide,” writes about a broad variety of topics on his blog. Check out Just a Regular Guide for more, or follow him on Twitter @theregularguidefor frequent updates!
