A company’s success relies heavily on its ability to attract and retain skilled employees. In a competitive job market, candidates want to work for employers that align with their values and priorities. A safe, secure, and supportive work environment has become a non-negotiable requirement for job seekers. However, only 63% of employees believe that their employer considers their physical safety at work to be critical.
Companies must demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee well-being to avoid the high cost of turnover. By investing in comprehensive security measures, businesses can demonstrate their dedication to employee safety, fostering a culture of trust and loyalty that will help them stand out as an employer of choice.
How Security Helps Your Business Attract and Retain Top Talent
Workplace security incidents, such as violence, harassment, or theft, have far-reaching consequences for employees and the entire organization. When an employee’s personal belongings are stolen or they are subjected to violence during a burglary, it erodes their sense of safety and trust in the workplace. These incidents can lead to increased stress, decreased productivity, greater anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in severe cases.
Companies with a history of security breaches or a poor reputation for employee safety may struggle to attract high-quality candidates, as job seekers naturally want to safeguard their well-being and peace of mind while at work. On the other hand, companies that prioritize workplace safety and security enjoy numerous benefits, including:
- Improved recruitment: A strong reputation for security is a powerful recruitment tool. Job seekers are more likely to apply to companies that demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being through comprehensive security programs.
- Higher retention rates: Workplace safety and employee retention are intrinsically linked. Employees who feel safe and supported while on the job are more likely to remain with their employer long-term. When companies create a safety culture, they foster trust among their workforce. Increased loyalty can help reduce turnover, saving organizations the significant costs of recruiting and training new hires.
- Boosted morale: Employees who feel that their employer prioritizes their safety are more likely to be engaged in their work. Engaged employees are more productive, which helps drive business success.
- Competitive advantage: Companies known for their commitment to workplace security enjoy a positive brand image beyond the job market. A reputation for focusing on employee well-being can help organizations attract customers, investors, and partners who value ethical business practices. This positive brand image can contribute to long-term growth.
- Reduced liability and costs: Investing in workplace safety measures can help organizations reduce their liability and associated costs. By implementing effective security protocols, companies can minimize the risk of incidents and the resulting financial burden, such as legal fees, compensation, or increased insurance premiums.
How to Protect Employees at Work
To effectively protect employees from external theft, workplace crime, and other lapses in security, companies must adopt a multi-layered approach encompassing physical security measures as well as policies and procedures.
1. Secure Your Perimeter
The first line of defense in protecting employees from external threats is securing the perimeter of your property. Installing an electric fence is a powerful deterrent against unauthorized entry. These fences deliver a safe but memorable shock, discouraging potential intruders from another breach attempt. The imposing height of electric fencing further deters criminals from trying to breach your perimeter.
2. Install Video Surveillance Systems
Video surveillance is a critical component of any workplace security strategy. High-resolution cameras can record valuable evidence in the event of a security incident. To ensure proper coverage, install cameras in the following areas:
- Around the perimeter
- Entry and exit points
- Storage areas
- Restricted and secluded areas
- Parking lots
To maximize the effectiveness of your video surveillance systems, invest in remote monitoring solutions. Trained security professionals will watch your property 24/7 even when you’re not on-site. Remote monitoring can help detect suspicious activity early, enabling a rapid response.
3. Add Alarm-Based Lighting
Well-lit areas help deter opportunistic criminals who prefer to operate under the cover of darkness. Install bright, energy-efficient lighting in parking lots, walkways, entrances, and other high-traffic areas. Implement alarm-based lighting around your perimeter, which will activate when the electric fence alarm is activated, flooding the area with light. This immediate response deters intruders and alerts security personnel to the potential threat.
4. Integrate Access Control Measures
Comprehensive access control systems help protect employees from workplace crime. By regulating who can enter your property or specific areas within your facility, you can minimize the risk of external theft and other security incidents.
Use Gate Access Control to regulate who enters your site at entry and exit points. Credential readers, video intercoms, and specialized gate locks help restrict access to your facility. You can also implement access control measures for sensitive areas like server rooms, inventory storage, and executive offices. Routinely review and update access privileges to ensure they remain appropriate, revoking access promptly when employees change positions or leave the company.
5. Establish Safety Policies and Procedures
Developing and enforcing clear safety policies creates a culture of safety in the workplace. These policies should be exhaustive, covering a wide range of security issues and outlining appropriate responses. Take the following steps:
- Implement a zero-tolerance policy for violence, harassment, and theft. Communicate this policy to all employees, providing training on how to recognize and report any incidents.
- Establish a confidential reporting system that allows employees to raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
- Develop specific procedures for handling high-risk situations, such as terminations, layoffs, and workplace violence cases.
- Devise cash handling procedures that minimize the risk of internal and external theft, including limiting the amount of cash on hand, using drop safes for large amounts, and implementing regular audits to detect discrepancies.
6. Provide Security Training
Regular security training is essential for empowering employees to take an active role in their own safety and the safety of their colleagues. Develop a comprehensive training program that covers a wide range of security topics, from situational awareness to threat recognition and emergency response.
Teach employees how to identify and report suspicious activity, such as unusual packages, unfamiliar individuals, or concerning behavior from coworkers. Employees should also know proper cash handling techniques, how to handle confidential information, and de-escalation techniques to help employees manage potentially volatile situations.
Ensure Workplace Safety With AMAROK
In an era where workplace safety and employee retention are more intertwined than ever, working with a trusted perimeter security solutions provider is essential. Partner with AMAROK to create a safe, secure work environment that attracts and retains top talent.
The Electric Guard Dog™ Fence is the foundation of our comprehensive suite of perimeter security solutions — delivering unparalleled protection for your property as well as your people. You can rest assured that your employees are safeguarded against external theft, violence, and other security threats.
Take the first step by scheduling a threat assessment. Our experts will evaluate your site, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend customized solutions to protect your business. You can also contact us online or call 800-432-6391 to learn more about how AMAROK can help you create a safer workplace that supports productive and loyal employees.
