As businesses continue to embrace digital technologies, the modern office faces heightened security challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated remote work, but now many companies are reversing this trend, requiring employees to return to the office either full-time or part-time. In this changing environment, facilities managers must adjust to hybrid work attendance patterns, making access control systems essential.
The Need for Comprehensive Security Plans
Ensuring efficiency as well as the safety and well-being of everyone in the workspace is a top priority for facilities managers. Achieving this goal requires a comprehensive and effective security plan that not only minimizes risks but also facilitates effective emergency responses, fostering a secure environment. A robust security plan should encompass various elements, including physical security measures, cybersecurity protocols, and employee training programs. This process should also be easy to manage, ultimately increasing productivity for facilities managers. By eliminating key systems, facilities managers can easily adjust credentials and handle access to vendors or instances of locked-out tenants remotely. By addressing potential vulnerabilities and implementing proactive strategies, facilities managers can create a safer and more manageable work environment.
Vulnerabilities in Contemporary Office Security
In hybrid work setups, traditional security measures often struggle to maintain consistent protocols. Flexible workspaces, such as shared offices and collaborative areas, complicate access control systems, making it harder to enforce access privileges and ensure security. The irregular office attendance of hybrid employees also reduces the likelihood of timely detection of missing badges. Additionally, managing the diverse mix of employees, contractors, clients, and visitors in hybrid offices requires robust visitor management systems to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive areas. Some areas in an office, such as those dedicated to accounting and IT teams, are not meant to be accessible by all staff. A layered security approach aims to ensure overall building security with consideration for access requirements for more sensitive areas.
The Importance of Advanced Access Control Systems
Implementing comprehensive access control measures is critical to protect personnel, assets, and information in both hybrid and full-time office setups. These measures enhance the employee experience by enabling smooth interactions and operations. Organizations demonstrate their commitment to safety and operational efficiency by leveraging advanced access control technologies such as biometric authentication, mobile access credentials, and cloud-based management systems. These innovative solutions bolster security and streamline access control processes.
Innovations in office security enable new ways to manage access in hybrid workplaces. For example, Google Wallet- and Apple Wallet-enabled credentials allow employees to use their smartphones to enter offices and secure areas, ditching traditional keys, fobs, and cards for a more secure and convenient access solution. These upgrades not only make access easier but also boost security in today’s flexible work setups.
Today’s smart access control systems offer more than just enhanced security; they streamline daily operations. The implementation of this technology and the ease with which it works empowers facilities managers to work more efficiently and productively. Facility support for digital platforms goes beyond technological advancement—it signifies a commitment to improving the employee experience.
Embracing the Future of Office Security
In the current shift towards hybrid work, it is crucial to maintain physical security and efficient access. Using modern access control technology and procedures is key for safeguarding open, flexible, and hybrid workspaces. Embracing these advances helps organizations ensure secure and productive workplaces, protecting their most valuable assets: their people and their information.
Facilities managers play an important role in ensuring the safety and security of their workspaces. By staying ahead of emerging security trends and continuously evaluating and upgrading their security measures, businesses can adapt to the evolving landscape of workplace security and maintain a safe space for all.
Melany Whalin is the senior demand creation manager at security solutions company Allegion.