3 Ways to Boost Company Security Without Sacrificing Morale

As an owner, you must be serious about your company's security. Today's businesses are at risk for everything from data theft and cybercrimes to intruders walking through the doors with a grudge.

But, at the same time, you and your employees don't want to live in a constant state of fear and paranoia, feeling watched and hemmed in. How can you balance these two challenges? Here are three ways to make the best of your responsibilities to all.

1. Focus on Risky Areas

Chances are that your entire company premises and equipment don't need high security protection. First of all, it's not cost-effective to lock up every $10 tool in the yard after each use or to put an expensive fingerprint sensor on the office supply cabinet. And it will make employees feel overly policed and probably reduce their productivity.

Find a healthy compromise between total lockdowns and the actual level of risk in each area. Your computer server room, for instance, is a high risk location that needs both physical security and digital protections.

Similarly, the accounting, research, and executive departments benefit from limiting access and adding digital controls. But are cameras really a good idea in the lunch room? Is it worth it to track people's use of the copier? Or to lock up low-value inventory the same as high-value items?

2. Involve Everyone

One way to create a negative response to added security measures is to simply install them and make a basic announcement after the fact. You'll get a better reaction and more adherence if people feel they were involved in the decision and implementation.

Start by explaining the problem to affected employees, inviting them to brainstorm possible solutions. If you've had break-in attempts, for instance, ask employees how they feel about the security in their workplaces. Find out which areas seem vulnerable. Report results of your own security audit or invite a security consultant.

And ask for everyone's suggestions on which type of door security - including cameras, codes, keys, and alarms - they would feel comfortable with, as well as which features might make it hard to do their jobs.

Once you settle on security measures, make sure all employees understand how to use them. Where will additional security features be placed? What is the exact procedure for using each new element? Who, exactly, has access to which areas, and how do they request authorization? How often will security allowances be reviewed? And how often will you hold refresher meetings to ensure everyone is kept updated?

3. Employ Friendly Security

There are a few ways to boost security without making it feel oppressive to workers and guests. Do some employees regularly work after hours alone, for instance? Why not rearrange duties to prevent that? The employee is no longer a risk or at risk. And you can completely secure the facility instead of only partially securing it.

You don't have to sacrifice security in order to find less intrusive options. Replace older doors, windows, and gates with new, stronger versions. Add protective security film to windows. Institute a visitor policy so that employees stay with visitors rather than let them wander around alone. Discern whether a contactless card reader or code lock might be friendlier and easier to use than a key lock or a buzzer. Or upgrade to doors and gates that automatically (rather than manually) close and lock.

Striking a balance between protecting your business and making it a happy workplace takes a little effort. But the reward will be more satisfied employees and a safer environment for all. At Phoenix Access Control, we have security features that can help you find the right level of protection for every part of your company. Call today to learn more.