Simple ways to involve your staff in workplace security
As a small business owner, the chances are that you often worry about the workplace security of your premises, and want to find ways to reduce the chances of break-ins or breaches. Although the best way to do that is to work with a company that offers security services like guarding, key holding, patrolling, and CCTV handling services, there are things that you can do in-house, too.
Below, we’ve rounded up some simple ways to involve your staff in workplace security…
Make workplace security a shared responsibility
Though it’s ultimately you as a manager that must take responsibility for the security of your business premises, expanding the responsibility of awareness to your entire time can create a more proactive, security-aware team. When everyone in the office or store knows what to look out for, and knows how to report potential issues, you’ll be able to respond to threats in a more timely manner and know what to do should something go wrong.
Perform security assessments
Security threats are continuously evolving, and as your business grows, you’ll need to adapt your strategy. Schedule a security review every six months to look at performance over the past period, anticipate future challenges, and make a list of key changes and new priorities. Asking staff for feedback and suggestions can help you identify previously overlooked areas of concern and will make them feel more involved and valued in the workplace.
Invest in training
Training allows employees to better understand potential threats that they’ll encounter in the workplace, and give them the tools they need to respond in the safest and most appropriate manner. In a moment of crisis, your teams shouldn’t have to guess what to do next; training takes away the uncertainty and also aids in compliance whilst lowering insurance premiums.
Outline clear policies and approaches
Documenting policies and approaches means that your teams can refer back to your plans as and when required. For example, a document on how to deal with a shoplifter could be displayed in your staff room to continuously remind teams of the correct approach, whilst bullet-pointing “emergency plans” helps create a straightforward, bitesize plan of action should the worst happen. Make all of these policies available to staff via your intranet, too.
Keep on top of your inventory
Getting staff involved with inventory allows you to stay in the know and be on the lookout for any bad actors. If missing equipment is reported as soon as it goes missing, you’ll have written evidence should you need to discipline a member of staff in the future. Encouraging all staff to partake in a security awareness program will ensure everyone is accountable.
Stay vigilant
A good workplace security policy is all about vigilance. Although staff shouldn’t have to live and work in fear, encouraging them to look out for your business – and ultimately themselves and their colleagues – will ensure everyone’s singing from the same hymn sheet. If you’re facing challenges with theft or shoplifting, for instance, you can reinforce this during staff meetings, too; the more alert your teams are, the more effective your strategy will become.
Online security is just as important
Finally, make sure you’re following the same approach for online security, too. Companies must not overlook the potential dangers of cyberattacks or their associated costs. According to the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), cyber-attacks are costing UK businesses an eye-watering £34 billion – split 50-50 between revenue and intellectual property losses (£18bn) and subsequent increased IT spending (£16bn). Enforce strong passwords, invest in cybersecurity training, regularly update your software, and stay alert.
Looking for assistance with workplace security? Depend on the team at Precision Facilities Management. Call us on 0116 366 6508 today to find out more and arrange a consultation.
