/ By Gateway Team / employee safety • physical security/ 0 Comments

The Importance of Physical Security in the Workplace

SONY DSCPhysical 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.

/ By Gateway Team / access control equipment • barriers • employee safety • security • security gate/ 0 Comments

4 ways to make your employees feel safe

VLUU L100, M100 / Samsung L100, M100Your employees spend a lot of their time at their workplace, so it is extremely important that they feel as safe as possible when they are there.

Studies have shown that if employees do not feel sufficiently safe at work it can adversely affect staff happiness, productiveness, efficiency and staff retention. There are a lot of things that you, as an employer, can do in order to make your staff feel as safe as possible. The investment you spend in both time and money in these additional security measures will be worth it as it will create a happier workforce that will be more productive. Here are four key areas you can look at in order to improve staff safety.

1.    Invest in gates and barriers
It is a simple thing but having gates can really improve how safe employees feel whilst at work. Creating a barrier using gates acts as a deterrent to anyone who is trying to get onto the premises without permission. Having gates surround the entirety of your property not only indicates to everyone which land belongs to your business, it also protects staff car parks. Having barriers and gates will also help protect your assets (not only your staff but also your stock, the premises itself and sensitive data to name a few) it will also help visitors feel secure when they come for meetings as well.

2.    Have Access Control
Consider having access control areas where you use proximity cards, intercoms or biometric finger print readers to ensure only authorised personnel can enter the premises. These devices are great to have on the entrance of your main building or, alternatively, any room that contains private and important equipment or information. When visitors come, you can provide them with a temporary visitor pass. Not only will this make it convenient for them during their visit, they will also feel secure knowing you need passes to enter the building.

3.    Hire security guards
Sometimes having someone to physically guard your premises can really make your employees feel safe. If you use a security guard alongside barriers, gates and turnstiles, you can ensure only authorised personnel can enter.

4.    Enforce speed limits in staff car parks
The staff car park can be dangerous. If you do not have safety measures in place you could end up with injuries. Ensure you have designated areas for pedestrians which are clear to everyone. Make sure there is sufficient lighting so people can easily get to their cars during winter months. Enforce slow speed limits throughout the car parks using speed bumps and rising kerbs to support this.

Taking time to put some of these methods into practice can really benefit both your business and its employees in the long run. It not only protects your businesses’ valuable items or any sensitive data, it also prevents any serious accidents and increases employee happiness and productivity. Being a company known for having the safety of their employees as a number one priority will also build confidence and trust in your business.

To find out more about what security measures you can put into place for your employees’ safety, please contact us on 01522 682255 for a free, no obligation and feasibility survey to assess your perimeter security equipment.