Crime is still a severe concern in a first-world country like the United States. Many people fear becoming victims of crime, but to a certain extent, it can be inevitable.
Recent statistics from Pew Research have found that more than 2,000 property crimes happen for every 100,000 population in the United States. It’s one of the highest crime rates in the world. The FBI also reported that a property crime could occur every four seconds.
Crime is a serious concern for every individual American. However, businesses have a higher risk of damage from such crimes.
Business Cost of Crime
Workplace crimes cost the country over $50 billion annually. So businesses have to shell out a lot of money because of crime.
Theft, vandalism, and other crimes can cause a significant financial burden on a business. This is because they not only have to pay for the damages, but they also have to deal with the lost productivity.
In some cases, businesses have to close down entirely because of the damage caused by crime. This can lead to job losses and an overall decrease in the economy.
Businesses need to be aware of the crime risks and take steps to protect themselves. But security measures can cost a company thousands of dollars. So the most optimal way is to build a culture of security instead.
What is a Culture of Security?
A culture of security is an organization-wide commitment to security. It’s a way of thinking and acting that prioritizes safety at every level.
This culture starts with the leadership and trickles down to the employees. Everyone in the organization needs to be on board with the culture of security.
The benefits of a culture of security are many. A business will be more resilient to crime, have less downtime, and be more productive. There will also be a decrease in insurance premiums.
How to Build a Culture of Security
There are many ways to build a culture of security in your business. Here are five key ways:
Have a Security Plan
The first step is to have a security plan. This plan should be comprehensive and cover all aspects of security.
It should include building security, employee security, data security, and more. The plan should be reviewed and updated regularly. You should also discuss ways to report a crime or something suspicious happening near your building.
You should build a committee of employees to help develop and implement the security plan. It will help ensure that everyone is on board with the culture of security.
Educate Your Employees
It’s essential to educate your employees about security. They need to know what the risks are and how to protect themselves.
They should also be aware of the different security measures in place. For example, they should know how to use the alarm system, where the cameras are located, and what to do in an emergency.
You can educate your employees by holding training sessions or sending out reminders through email or text messages. You can also post signs around the office as a reminder.
Encourage Employee Feedback
Encourage employee feedback when it comes to security. They may have ideas that you haven’t thought of.
For example, they may know of a better way to secure the building or have suggestions for the security plan. Encouraging employee feedback shows you’re open to new ideas and committed to improving security.
Lead by Example
As the leader of your organization, you need to set the tone when it comes to security. You need to be the one leading by example.
If you’re not taking security seriously, your employees won’t either. So make sure you’re following the security protocol yourself. This includes wearing your ID badge, locking your office door, and being aware of your surroundings.
You also need to hold yourself and your employees accountable if there’s a breach in security. This shows that you’re taking the issue seriously and are committed to fixing the problem.
Utilize Security Cameras
If there is one thing you should consider putting money on its security cameras. Security cameras can be a deterrent enough for criminals. Moreover, it can also prevent your employees from stealing from your company.
However, the main problem with security cameras is managing them. If hiring a dedicated security force isn’t in your budget, consider contacting different central station monitoring services instead. These services can install a centralized security system and monitor it for you. Ask for quotations and their list of services and find the right one for you.
Building a culture of security in your business is essential. It will help you save money, be more productive, and be more resilient to crime. There are many ways to build a culture of security. By following the tips we’ve listed above, you’re on your way to creating a culture of security in your business.
