The Importance of Physical Security in the Workplace

Physical security in the workplace is vital for all businesses. However, it can be something that many organisations overlook. An attacker can easily gain access to the premises and assets if the security is weak. Protecting confidential information, assets, facilities and employees should be at the top of a business owners concerns.

Here we discuss the importance of physical security in the workplace.

Helps with cybersecurity

Technology continues to become a vital part of day to day life. It is common for businesses to prioritise securing the technical side of the business. Installing firewalls and other cyber-security methods are typical cyber-security methods. Although cyber-security is vital, it should not take priority over physical security. Cyber-security helps to prevent data theft using firewalls and security protocols. However, an insecure building can also be a cause of data loss. Both security types compliment each other.

If it vital that physical security is prioritised, if only to boost the effectiveness of the cyber-security methods.

Protects against theft

Using physical security can help reduce theft. Ensure that gates and barriers are used wherever possible to ensure only authorised personnel have access to staff car parks. These measures will significantly reduce the threat of car theft. You should also implement access control equipment to help protect both your businesses assets but also your staff’s personal possessions. Having these methods in action will reduce office disputes and create a better, safe and good working environment.

Makes you get the most out of your employees

Providing a safe and secure work environment is important for existing employees but will also attract future employees. Knowing that their possessions are safe on the premises is vital for good productivity and a happy workforce. Employees are a businesses greatest assets as without them, the company would not function. Therefore, to ensure employees feel safe whilst at work, actions should be taken.

In addition to this, strong security practices and a safe working environment can lead to lower employee absenteeism.

Helps prevent vandalism and arson

Businesses can often prioritise the security of company assets. However, it is easy to implement physical security aimed at deterring property vandalism. Barriers, gates and security guards can all help stop uninvited people entering the premises. Investing in surveillance cameras, exterior lighting and signage can all help deter potential vandals and intruders.

Protects you from some unnecessary costs

A physical security strategy should also cover other business assets. This includes equipment, files and hardware. By including all assets in the strategy a business can protect itself from unnecessary costs and downtime.

Installing physical security measures may involve a significant initial investment. However, when carried out well, the strategy can save a company thousands in the long term. There are potential huge financial implications associate with a poor physical security strategy.

The initial costs of implementing a strong physical security strategy can be significant. This can be overwhelming to some business owners. Making this investment can be extremely advantageous to both the business and employees alike. Not only does it provide a safe environment, but it can also help reduce insurance, resulting in further cost savings.

What's Next?

These are just some reasons that highlight the importance of physical security in the workplace. To find out more about how physical security can benefit your business, please contact us on 01522 682255 for a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess your perimeter security equipment.

Physical Security Practices- 5 Top Tips for Businesses

Physical security practices in the workplace is a huge topic. but where does the cautious business owner start?

Health and safety of all employees should be a key priority for all businesses. Physical security measures can be implemented to ensure staff are kept safe in the workplace. Not only can these physical security processes keep employees safe, they protect any visitors as well as company assets.

Here, we discuss 5 forms of physical security practices that every business should implement.

Visitor Management

Businesses often welcome visitors to their business site as part of day-to-day activity. However there should be a plan to ensure that these external visitors do not compromise security. Using a digital login system can help ensure your staff and business remain protected.

Physical Security Assessments

You might already have a robust physical security strategy in place, many businesses do. However, any good strategy should be regularly checked as things can change. Having regular assessments can help continually identify potential areas of weakness. These areas of weakness identify improvements to your physical security. Ideally, a physical security assessment should take place annually or bi-annually. It is easy to become complacent once you have a strong strategy in place which can lead to future problems.

Strong Access Control

Access control methods ensure that you have full control over who is entering your building, or a specific part of the building. It is vital that you use access control for critical areas such as server rooms. Limiting access to sensitive areas will reduce the likelihood of theft or vandalism. Introduce the use of proximity cards and turnstiles to ensure only authorised people enter the building. PIN entry systems can be extremely effective. The use of bio-metrics can make this methods even more robust, for example, using a fingerprint or retina scanner.

Secure from the outside- in

If you do not know where to begin your physical security plan, start by securing the outside of your building and working inward. This is even more important if you are located in an area with high crime rate. Start simple with gates, barriers and turnstiles. Also consider exterior lighting, surveillance and signage. Although these methods may seem simple, they can have a strong impact and be effective on deterring criminals.

Sufficient Employee Training

Physical security is only as strong as the weakest link. The weakest link, however, is often the staff. Maintain security communications and training to ensure all staff are aware of procedures. This could sometimes involve a whole company culture shift. It can also take time to educate staff and develop a security mindset. However, once it is in place, your physical security strategy will be more effective.

Management teams should train their existing and new staff by implementing security training security policies. Ensure staff know that there will be consequences if these policies are ignored. Management should lead by example for security campaigns to work effectively. Changes to required behaviour should be natural for the staff to adhere to and encourage them to report any suspicious behaviour.

This list is not exhaustive as there are a lot of other physical security practices that could be put in place; however, these are a good place to start. Also, security involves an upfront cost, the peace of mind and protection they provide is worth a lot more. Regardless of the size of the business, a strong physical security strategy must be put in place.

To find out more about how to protect empty commercial property with physical security, please contact us on 01522 682255 for a free, no obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess your perimeter security equipment.