Companies around the world spend a lot of money on physical security, with the market expected to surpass $261 billion by 2023. However, as security threats become more and more sophisticated, businesses cannot afford to rely solely on security guards and standard commercial security plans to safeguard their assets. Forward-thinking leaders recognize the power of engaging their entire workforce in the battle against crime.
By creating a culture of security at your business, you transform each employee into a vigilant guardian of your organization’s well-being. With a security-centric company culture, every employee can watch for threats, follow security protocols, report vulnerabilities, and more to keep your business safe.
What Is a Security Culture?
A corporate security culture is a company’s shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that prioritize the protection of its assets and people along with its reputation. When a strong culture of security is established, it permeates every level of the company, from the C-suite to the front lines. It also shapes your hiring practices, operational procedures, and customer interactions. With a robust security culture, employees understand the importance of security and actively participate in upholding it.
Why Is a Security Culture Important?
The absence of a well-established security culture leaves organizations vulnerable to a wide range of risks, including:
- Physical security threats, such as external theft, burglary, or vandalism
- Intellectual property theft
- Operational disruption caused by burglary or other security attacks
- Data breaches leading to financial losses, legal liabilities, and reputational damage
Ensuring a strong culture of security in your company can yield numerous benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of security incidents and their associated costs
- Enhanced employee awareness and engagement in security efforts
- Improved compliance with industry regulations and standards
- Increased customer trust and loyalty
- Greater resilience in the face of evolving security threats
How to Create a Corporate Culture of Security
Building a corporate security culture allows you and your employees to reap the benefits of having a safer workplace, fewer losses, less downtime, as well as greater profitability. Fostering a security-centric culture requires a multi-faceted approach. Take the following steps:
1. Conduct a Risk Assessment
The first step to encouraging a culture of security is understanding the risks and requirements for your unique premises via a professional threat assessment. Security experts will evaluate your current security infrastructure and practices, identify vulnerabilities, and develop a comprehensive plan to strengthen your defenses. The insights from these assessments will help you prioritize initiatives and allocate resources effectively.
2. Enhance Physical Security Measures
Standard options like chain-like fencing and security guards are not enough to help you build a strong security culture. Invest in physical security solutions that protect your perimeter and deter potential trespassers or intruders. With robust security measures, employees are more likely to take an active role in company security, knowing they are protected from external threats.
Implement the following physical security measures:
- Electric fencing around your perimeter: An electric fence creates a formidable barrier against unauthorized entry. Any would-be intruder receives a safe but memorable shock if they try to breach the perimeter. Zone fence lighting adds another layer of deterrence and detection, flooding the area with light if the electric fence alarm is activated.
- Access control: Gate Access Control restricts entry to authorized personnel only. This solution integrates seamlessly with your electric fence, improving overall site security and access management. Features like credential readers, key fobs, video intercoms, and license plate recognition help limit access to permitted individuals only.
- Security cameras: Strategically placed video surveillance systems are essential for monitoring your perimeter and other critical areas. Cameras record live footage of security threats, such as attempts to breach the perimeter, allowing you to quickly identify the threat and respond accordingly. In the event of an incident, recorded footage serves as valuable evidence for investigations.
3. Train Your Employees
Education is key to creating a culture of security. Knowledgeable employees are a powerful first line of defense against both external and internal theft. Educate your employees on the benefits of a secure workplace and equip them with best practices to keep your property protected. Focus on how a secure workplace benefits employees specifically. They’ll be more likely to put the work into finding and reporting security vulnerabilities if they see the benefits directly. Conduct regular security workshops and refresher classes to keep the subject matter top of mind, ensuring employees keep up with changes to security protocols.
4. Create an Anonymous Reporting System
If an employee suspects a co-worker or superior is stealing, they may hesitate to report it out of fear of retaliation. Create a way for employees to report issues anonymously so they can take an active role in internal theft prevention. You can use a simple paper drop box or an anonymous electronic communication platform. Repeatedly communicate to your staff that all reports are anonymous, guaranteeing that any episodes of retaliation will be dealt with swiftly.
5. Ask for Staff Input
Your team is a valuable asset when it comes to identifying potential vulnerabilities throughout your organization. While you may have a handle on the overall security strategy, your employees will have intimate knowledge of threats, vulnerabilities, and optimizations in their own work areas. Ask your employees for ideas on making their departments safer and more secure. You’ll be surprised by just how insightful their feedback is. They’ll also feel that their knowledge and contributions are valued. Remember that your team is your greatest asset in securing your business.
6. Incentivize Your Team
When an employee takes time out of their day to report a security threat or suggest an improvement, their effort should be rewarded. Recognize employees who help your company avoid security threats with public recognition, gift cards, or free lunch. Recognition of their good behavior reinforces the importance of a security-centric culture and actions to all your employees. Plus, it’s well worth the cost to keep your business safer.
7. Emphasize Community Responsibility
When you send the message that security belongs to everyone in your organization, your team becomes more motivated. Foster a collaborative environment where teams actively share information, discuss potential threats, and collectively brainstorm solutions. By fostering a culture of teamwork, employees become more attuned to security risks and are better equipped to address them effectively. When people feel their efforts are important, they are more likely to pitch in to help.
Cultivate a Culture of Security With AMAROK
Nurturing a security culture is an ongoing journey that requires commitment and adaptability. As your business evolves and new threats emerge, your security culture must keep pace. Partnering with a perimeter security solutions provider like AMAROK can help you create a security-centric organization. Our multi-layered perimeter solutions centered on The Electric Guard Dog™ Fence provide a solid foundation for your security culture.
AMAROK secures over 8,000 sites, empowering businesses to focus on engaging their employees and fostering a shared commitment to security. Call 800-432-6391 or request a threat assessment to see how our perimeter security solutions can strengthen your defenses and support your security culture.
