Many businesses take advantage of the lull over the holidays to review what they accomplished in the past year and make plans for the next one. Unlike personal New Year’s resolutions, many businesses actually reach these goals.

As you make your business plans for next year, how about adding security to that list? Ask yourself these questions and then take a look at the suggestions for ways to make your business more secure.

• Are you satisfied with all of your office’s locks? Check every entrance – burglars will often use a back entrance because it’s not as obvious from the street.
• Do you have policies in place that support a secure office? Simple steps such as a security check-list for the last person to leave every night can make all the difference.
• Is your office’s computer password system strong? Take a look at your bulletin boards and people’s desks. They may have their passwords pinned up to remember them. It may be time to update your password system and offer your employees some training on password management.
• Is your computer’s firewall and security system robust enough to protect any private data it contains? It may be time to review and update your hardware and software with security in mind.
• Do you have policies in place for keeping employees safe? From escorting people to their cars when working late to asking all employees to report any potential domestic disturbances that could make their way to the office, you want to make sure your employees are as safe as possible on the job. Think also about issues such as what employees should do if your operation is ever threatened or robbed during business hours. While this problem isn’t likely for most businesses, having a plan in place reduces the risks for you and your staff.
• Do you have an adequate first-aid kit in your office? Have you checked it to make sure everything is still in place and products are not out of date? Does everyone in your office know where the kit is? Small emergencies can become big ones if you’re not prepared.
• Have you reviewed basic safety measures from OSHA for an office environment? From making sure staff use a stepstool rather than standing on a chair with wheels in the office for reaching higher items, to ensuring that spills that could cause falls are wiped up immediately, every business should review basic safety protocol at least once a year. This is also a good area for staff training.
• Is your security system up-to-date? If your system is more than five years old, you may want to take a look at some of the newest options. The industry is constantly evolving and improving. We’ll be happy to come in and show you the current products and services available.

It’s easy to let these issues slide during the year when you’re so focused on your business that you don’t have time for much else. But it’s important to take the time to conduct an annual review of your company’s security along with other areas that are critical to your business’s success. Answer these questions with a yes and you are on your way to a happy and secure New Year.