The countdown to Christmas has well and truly begun.
Unless you’re working Twixmas – the period between Xmas and New Year when no one knows what day it is – it’ll soon be time to close your doors until 2024, giving your workers a well-earned break.
If your office space will be closed for an extended period from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve, you must take the necessary steps to secure not only the premises but the equipment and private and confidential information too.
In this blog, we’ll share some of the best ways to keep your workplace safe during the festive season and beyond – including simple things like locking doors, monitoring the premises 24/7 and investing in an office safe.
Install or test your alarm system
If you haven’t already got one, now would be a good time to install an alarm on your premises – alerting you of any suspicious activity on site.
Having a fully functioning alarm system in place before the Christmas break will give you peace of mind that your building hasn’t been broken into or vandalised whilst you’re away.
Smile! You’re on camera!
CCTV cameras allow you to keep a watchful eye on the office whilst indulging in your favourite festive treats, surrounded by your loved ones.
They also act as a deterrent for thieves when your building is left vacant for a prolonged period, just remember to display signs warning people that CCTV is in operation. Check your cameras to make sure they aren’t obstructed and that images are crystal clear – allowing you to identify would-be criminals.
Ensure your security lighting works
Most criminals prefer to work under the cover of darkness, reducing their chances of being caught red-handed. This is why you need to keep the area around your premises well-lit.
Motion sensor lights and floodlights are great for this. They put people off targeting your office and allow you to see exactly what’s going on. Before you leave for Christmas, it’s worth giving your timers and sensors a quick test.
Check your locks
When locking up your office for a long period, you want to make sure that all doors and windows are closed and that the locks are working properly. If they’re not, contact a local locksmith to either replace or repair them.
If you really want to enhance security at your office, consider installing smart locks – the sort that comes with access cards or fobs and leave an electronic audit trail to show who has been and gone.
Hide your valuables
Though there might be a pint or glass of fizz with your name on it in the local pub or at home, it’s important to give the office a quick once-over – making sure that nobody has left anything out on display.
If employees intend on leaving certain items in the office over the Christmas break, remind them to put them in their lockers – out of sight of prying eyes. Any laptops or important documents containing private and confidential information also need to be locked away, preferably inside a security safe.
If you’re looking to protect your business assets during the holiday season and well into the New Year, an office safe is a fantastic investment to make.
Office safes come in an array of shapes and sizes and, provided you purchase one from a reputable supplier, guarantee excellent value for money.
