Having a security system in the workplace is of utmost importance because it can act as a deterrent to thieves, and the video surveillance footage can provide information if there is a security breach.
With
technological advancement, it is easy for a business owner to install security
systems. However, the office design has a role to play in the final choice and
positioning of the security system.
Important
Security Concerns
Every workplace has its own office design. While
some people prefer the open-plan design, others prefer individual partitions
that come up to shoulder level, while others have enclosed offices.
These designs all have their potential security
risks, but the popular open
office workplace design has more risk. If for example, a gunman accesses the office,
he will be able to target a large number of people at once. Where the employees
need a ‘run and hide response’ it will be difficult to implement.
One of the security measures to put in place is
to have multiple exits in the workplace.
Also, make sure that you have offices with lockable reinforced doors
that will give the employees a safe area to run to in case of a terror
situation.
No one, including employees, should access the
workplace without proper security checks.
Remember, sometimes the threat is inside the office, a disgruntled
employee can decide to shoot everyone in an effort to express a point.
Security
in A Co-Working Space
Co-working office spaces require a level of
trust and shared values. Because the co-working space caters to different
people every day, carry out proper security checks before they can access the
workplace.
Since the people sharing the co-working space
come and go at different times, you need to factor in how to give them access
to the building at their convenience. Smart devices like smart locks and
cameras will allow for remote access and remote surveillance.
Mount cameras in the work areas for that added
sense of security. Place them
strategically so that people do not feel that you are looking at whatever it is
they’re doing at their workspace.
Installation
of Security Cameras
There are some key areas in an office you should consider installing a security camera.
Entrances and the parking lot
Any point of entry needs to have a security
camera covering it. Cover garages and
large windows. If you have a lobby or
reception area, have a camera that faces the front entrance, so that anyone you
have footage of anyone who gains entry into the office.
Monitor the parking lot and make sure it has
enough lighting. Avoid any areas that
can give criminals a hiding place for example bushes, stalled cars, among
others.
Areas Where You Keep Valuables
One area you need to cover is where you keep
valuables; whether documents, money, equipment among others.
If you have a safe in the office, mount a camera
at eye-level so that you can capture the features of anyone who tries to break
into the safe. Position the camera in a way that it can capture anyone who
enters or leaves the room as well.
General Work Areas
If you have an open plan office setup, mount
cameras with an aim of getting a bird’s view of all the employees. Employees who know they’re under surveillance
work harder and avoid petty quarrels in the workplace.
If your office design has partitions or
individual offices, it may be harder for you to install security cameras in
each office due to the expense aspect.
However, offices that have sensitive documents should have video
surveillance.
Be careful though, you do not want an employee
to sue you because of invasion of privacy. Do not put security cameras in the
locker rooms and bathrooms.
Around The Dumpsters
One trick used by disgruntled employees is to
steal workplace stuff and throw it in the dumpster and later retrieve it. If you find that you’re losing things,
consider positioning a camera near the dumpster. You never know who you may
catch in the act
Sufficient
Lighting
Have sufficient lighting in your workplace
especially on the corridors, stairways or any dark corners. If you have the budget, install security
cameras on the stairways for added security.
Final
Thoughts
The office design will play a big role in the
type of security system you install. An
office with an open office plan design, while great for employee interaction,
can leave the employees exposed to attacks. In an emergency, the rush to the
exit can result in accidents and possible fatalities.
Make sure you have enough exits, strategically-placed security cameras, proper lighting, and a thorough check for anyone wants to access the workplace. For co-working spaces, the same applies only that you need to factor in the different schedules for those using the workspace.
Photo Credits: Unsplash
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