In order to function, every business—whether big or small—needs to be safe and secure. Many business owners are having a hard time safeguarding the businesses they’ve worked so hard to build because both internal and external circumstances are wreaking havoc on the workplace and disrupting productivity.
If you want to make your business a safe and secure place to work, take stock of the potential threats facing your company:
Cyber security
Employee safety
External threats
Don’t let your business suffer. Read on for more detailed information on how to secure your business’s presence online, ensure the safety of your employees (and avoid any damaging lawsuits), and guard your workplace against external threats.
Cyber Security
One of the most important things you can do to secure your business has to do with cyber security. Any business is vulnerable to cyber-attacks and falling prey to thieves. Whether you’re a Fortune 500 company or a small mom-and-pop store, you could face major damages if attacked.
Here are some tips on how to avoid any cyber-attacks:
Password protection – no matter what passwords you are using now, use better ones. Make sure your passwords are highly complex and extremely difficult to guess. A good example of a password is “duY8t9yRSpL” as opposed to something like “sushi.” The longer you can make your passwords, the safer your company will be.
Tech-savvy employees – educate your employees. Keep them in-the-know as far as technology goes. Don’t expect them to know how to set smart passwords—teach them. If you allow employees to bring their own device and connect to an internal network, invest in a cyber-security program so no employee can hack your business.
Social media savvy employees – while some business owners allow employees to post things about the company, others don’t. If you do, make sure they don’t share any information that is confidential. An employee leaking sensitive details that are meant to be kept internal is extraordinarily damaging to any business. Make sure you educate them on what they can and can’t “tweet.”
Risk management – proactive always trumps reactive. Make sure you are aware of cyber-security threats and budget your business in a way that allows you to buy cyber-security systems. If you choose to do nothing else, do this: install firewalls and antivirus software.
Employee Safety
Workplace safety not only ensures your employees remain safe and sound, it ensures your company isn’t dealt a significant blow, like a damaging lawsuit. Here are some things you can do (as an employer) to keep your employees safe and healthy:
Keep office space clean and free of loose wires
Make sure all areas are well-lit
Avoid overexertion by offering regular breaks
Keep emergency exit signs easily accessible
Make proper safety equipment (clothing, tool belts, etc.) a requirement
It’s up to you to create a clean space that promotes safety and productivity. Invest your time now in order to bypass any hassle later.
External Threats
If you want to protect your employees and your business, it’s important to ward off any external threats—intruders and even Mother Nature as well. Be vigilant and prepared so you and your business aren’t caught off guard.
Consider implementing the following:
Alarm system
Install locks
Security guard
Access control systems
Video surveillance
Photo ID badges
Secure important documents in a safe
Develop (and educate employees on) an emergency evacuation plan
As far as Mother Nature goes, make sure the physical location of your business is equipped to handle any environmental threats. Here are a few good things to keep in mind (and in stock):
First-aid kits
72-hour kits
Food storage (you never know how long you/your employees might be stranded)
An emergency evacuation plan (make sure your employees are familiar with the plan as well)
First-aid kits are helpful and should contain most or all of the following:
First aid manual
20 adhesive bandages, various sizes
Anti-bacterial ointment
5" x 9" sterile dressing
3" x 3" sterile gauze pads (2)
4" x 4" sterile gauze pads (2)
3" roll of cohesive bandage
Conforming roller gauze
Triangular bandages (2)
Cold pack
Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
Germicidal hand wipes (2)
Antiseptic wipes (6)
Adhesive tape, 2" width
Scissors
Tweezers
Non-prescription medications
Every business owner should have their business security as a first priority. Create a workspace that guards against cyber-attacks, employee safety hazards, and any external threats.
Affordable Lock is a locksmith in Markham serving the Greater Toronto Area, including Scarborough, Aurora, North York, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and Stouffville. With over 30 years of experience, we pride ourselves on looking after your commercial or residential locksmith needs. Affordable Lock’s showroom in Markham showcases a wide selection of keys, locks and an assortment of other security products for your home or business. Whether you are looking to upgrade your home or business’s security, or solve security issues, Affordable Lock Services Inc. in Markham is here for you! Give us a call today.