Organizational risk comes in many different forms, including financial, digital and physical. Reducing risk means recognizing factors and aligning protective measures accordingly. Citing physical security measures and business continuity planning, many businesses purport to be prepared to address and mitigate various risks…but how prepared are they, really? In this post, we discuss some measures (as well as corporate risk assessment consulting guidance) that can help companies work towards a safer workplace.
A Secure Workplace: It’s All About Balance
If you consider all of the factors above as critical to securing a workplace, how does your organization measure up? According to Christopher Hagon of IMG GlobalSecur, it’s not uncommon for businesses to have some of these factors in place while others are not even on their radar. Further, says Hagon, organizational leaders may have all of the above in place but no larger plan that brings them together.
For companies to achieve a truly safe and secure culture, risk should be looked at holistically. Why? Because each separate and distinct group within a business organization may be able to help manage potential threats. Some leaders are surprised when a risk assessment is being conducted and the assessor, generally considered to be a “Security” person, has questions for Human Resources, Finance or Operations. The wisest leaders, however, understand the danger of a silo approach.
So where should companies start achieving an appropriate blend of measures to protect itself holistically? Risk management isn’t limited to one department, but rather, it should be managed by all. Driving a culture that trains all employees to recognize risk should be a company’s goal for a first line of defense. Why? Because access controls, for example, which are designed to be a first line of defense, are only as good as the humans who use them. A locked door does nothing to prevent a bad actor from entering premises when a polite employee holds that locked door open.
Second, businesses should consider the value of regularly updating its plans. This quarter’s highest priority risks might be a thing of the past next year. Is that reflected in your plans? Annual review of plans is a good idea, because risks are always changing, but have you taught your employees how to proactively respond before a risk turns into an incident? Employee training can help ensure that the job of managing risk doesn’t fall to any one department that might be considered a security plan “owner.” Hagon suggests that companies wishing to holistically address risk seek a balance between the proactive and the reactive. It’s impossible, he says, to predict every single security issue that could arise in the course of doing business. That fact highlights the value of having a defined process for your well-trained employees to follow.
A secure workplace can be achieved if companies are willing to put in the effort, says Hagon. Start with an objective assessment of risk, and develop training and well-balanced plans accordingly.
Learn More About Corporate Risk Assessment Consulting
Workplace safety continues to be a significant issue, and security professionals should take steps to assess their needs on an ongoing basis. Learn more about the corporate risk assessment consulting services offered by IMG and contact us for guidance today.
About IMG GlobalSecur
IMG GlobalSecur is a leading firm in international and workplace security. Corporate or business organizations concerned about the need for detailed and robust international security planning can reach out to IMG GlobalSecur for assistance. The company’s expert consultants provide executive, employee, PIP, and expatriate travel security, threat and risk assessments, crisis management planning, and more.