When you run a plumbing business, you’ll likely spend a lot of time at client’s properties (be they residential lots or other businesses). However, this does not discount the value of having a ‘head office’. After all this can be your ‘base’ between projects, while also providing you with a safe and secure place to store expensive equipment and manage your communications.
However, as small businesses often fall victim to crimes, such as cybersecurity attacks or robberies, it’s important that you invest in safety. With that in mind, here are four ways to improve security at your office.
Use an intercom system. Installing an office intercom helps you to better control who gains access to your business. As a result, this can be used to strengthen your security protocols, by reducing the chances of unauthorized personnel entering your property. Furthermore, as modern intercom systems also feature cameras, they act as a deterrent for crime as offenders know that they’re likely to be caught on camera.
Install CCTV & Alarms. As mentioned above, the presence of video and audio recording software, such as CCTV is one of the most effective ways to protect your business from crimes such as theft or vandalism. As a result, they are an important asset for those who may store valuable or expensive equipment on site, such as plumbing or construction equipment. CCTV recordings can also be used as evidence in legal procedures or if you need to make an insurance claim. On a similar note, installing alarms can improve office security as they ensure you are alerted immediately when a breach occurs. Often alarms can also be set up to notify the relevant authorities too, who will be able to deal with the issue promptly, giving you much greater peace of mind.
Provide your employees with the appropriate training. Security procedures and protocols should form an essential part of your employee training plans, especially as security measures can heighten safety in the workplace and on jobsites. You should ensure that this training provides employees with insight on how they can make your business more secure – such as by ensuring that all doors/windows and entry points are secured/locked at the end of the workday.
Take cybersecurity seriously. Cybersecurity is important no matter what industry you operate within, especially as new data suggests that ”small businesses are collectively subject to almost 10,000 cyber-attacks a day.” While these attacks vary in severity, any time sensitive information is leaked, you’re putting your business at risk and losing money. You could also face legal consequences. As a result, it’s vital that you take cybersecurity just as series as the physical security of your office. Thankfully, this does not have to be a complex task. Typically, installing cybersecurity software will make you much less vulnerable to these attacks, though you should also ensure that your employees are aware of the steps needed to take safe online. You should also ensure that your team is ready to set up strong passwords for their accounts – as poor passwords make the entire business vulnerable to data leaks.
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