Growth in business is great. Revenue increases, profits are high and you gain recognition throughout your industry. But, when growth is rapid and unexpected, it can create several security problems.
For example, you hire several new employees to keep up with the constant demand. Now, you’re seeing several new faces on a weekly basis and before you realize it, your once “small” business has more than doubled in size. Not only does this create a nightmare for the human resources department, it also leaves your valuable business assets and information vulnerable to risks, including theft.
Fortunately, there are ways to keep security a priority for businesses experiencing unexpected growth. Below, we provide three security tips on how you can protect your company during this exciting time.
1. Include Security in Orientation
Hiring more employees is common for keeping up with unplanned business growth. In most cases, new employees have to go through orientation. Include workplace security training during the training process, and review your:
- Emergency action plan, to prepare for natural disasters, severe weather, fires and floods.
- Workplace violence protocol, covering what to do in the event of an external or internal conflicts.
- Cyber security policy, which includes everything from password protecting devices to encrypting sensitive data when sharing on outside networks.
- Safe work practices like closing hours security.
2. Incorporate Access Control
With more employees, you’re going to need some control when it comes to access. For example, new employees shouldn’t have ungoverned access to offices and hard drives containing sensitive business data. But, with an access control system, you’re able to:
- Control employee access to certain rooms where sensitive data and equipment is stored.
- Secure your building from outside intruders that may want to cause harm or steal business devices and information.
- Analyze data logs of who accessed controlled rooms or documents at specific times.
Access control allows you to devote more of your time to other business related tasks by improving operating efficiency. With an access control system you can:
- End the need to replace lost keys or make multiple sets of keys for new employees.
- Incorporate time and attendance features to streamline administrative business processes.
- Integrate with video surveillance to record events triggered by specific access credentials.
- Quickly create customized credentialing to control who has access to what.
3. Utilize Security Equipment
Along with an access control system, consider installing other security devices to boost overall workplace safety. Key equipment to consider includes:
- Monitored burglar, fire and carbon monoxide alarms to save critical response time during an emergency.
- Video surveillance that allows you to check in on your business when you’re away.
- Hosted video solutions that safely store recordings in the cloud for remote viewing when you need it.
- Mobile solutions that allow you to manage your security system from your computer or smartphone.
- Sensors and glass-break detectors that signal when a break-in occurs.
- Lights to keep your business well lit after hours.
Sudden growth can cause you to overlook certain areas of your business. Don’t let security be one of them. Always contact a trusted security vendor when installing new equipment.
