How Surveillance In The Workplace Can Save Your Business

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by Steve Thibeault

There was a time when we could entrust people to do the right thing. Business affairs were consummated by a handshake, your staff could be trusted to do their work unsupervised ” you might even leave a door unlocked! Times have changed and virtually every business needs to implement several layers of protection. When it comes to keeping a watchful eye upon your business you need to consider whether it is time for surveillance in the workplace.

When it comes to the potential list of crimes that could take place, there is little wonder that owners consider surveillance in the workplace. Just think for a moment. You may need to protect against harassment, data corruption, theft, health violations, espionage, equipment damage, bad behavior or improper customer service.

Prepare a plan before you introduce surveillance in the workplace and determine the purpose intended. If you think about all the bad scenarios and focus on what could go wrong you can commit all this to paper and see where all your potential problem areas are. Make sure that you fully understand the problem before working out what you might need.

Whilst there may certainly be resistance to its introduction, your staff must be made aware that you intend to introduce surveillance in the workplace. You do not necessarily have to be specific and put their nose out of joint by insinuating bad ethics on their part, but it does not hurt to leave a question in their mind, either. You will find that the resistance in the early days will soon go away and they will likely forget that the surveillance items are in place.

Hardware, software or combination items are available as part of a wide selection of gear designed for surveillance in the workplace purpose. To keep an eye on employees work, you could include keystroke loggers, phone recorders or e-mail and Internet usage records.

Many business owners opt for a camera-based surveillance in the workplace system. This is normally attached to a central DVR which will record all events. This information is generally available through the Internet as well, so you can check in on your place of business even if you are away. The system is highly flexible and can be set to issue an alert, for example through e-mail, if something happens according to your list of predetermined parameters.

Dummy cameras can be great deterrents and are available at a fraction of the cost of a fully working item. A system to monitor surveillance in the workplace does not have to contain a fully operational camera network, as who is to know which camera is live and which isn’t?

It makes perfect sense in this dangerous and litigious society to protect yourself as a business owner as much as possible. If you have evidence to back up, you are often ahead of the game. Insurance companies may also smile in your direction if they know that you have opted for surveillance in the workplace.

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