7 Ways to Educate Employees on New Security Technology and Foster Security Culture
In today's interconnected world, where digital threats loom and physical security remains critical, fostering a robust security culture within organizations is key. While investing in advanced cybersecurity measures is crucial, it's equally important to address the significance of physical security, including security technology and processes at workplace entrances. But this frontline defense to succeed, organizations need to foster a security culture among employees.
Why Train Employees on Security Culture?
First and foremost is the safety of all the occupants in your facility.
Ensuring that staff are well acquainted with security solutions facilitates fluidity of movement while reducing potential liabilities.
Incorporating safety into your organizational culture requires a continuous dedication to educating your personnel on what is paramount to your operation. Sporadic communications and training sessions may not have a lasting impact. However, consistently employing multiple communication channels can instill a culture of security within your organization. This may involve the use of periodic training videos, newsletters and emails, public posts/signage, and face-to-face meetings to instruct staff on proper equipment utilization and safety measures. This should also include the development of a playbook for emergency incidents and response.
It's also important that personnel understand the rationale for implementing the security solution for each location.
Consider secured entry solutions. Security revolving doors and turnstiles are designed to stop tailgating and piggybacking as a means of gaining unauthorized access to a facility. To do this, secured entry solutions are used in conjunction with electronic access control systems, providing a physical deterrent to unauthorized individuals while maintaining a free flow of two-way pedestrian traffic for authorized individuals. If a specific entryway is equipped with a security revolving door, employees should be told its purpose is to help prevent unauthorized access by deterring tailgating and piggybacking and mitigating risks, which in turn, will help employees easily grasp the significance of its proper utilization.
Peace of mind, a decrease in theft, prevention of workplace interruption, and deterring potential threats are all critical reasons to train your people on new and existing technologies in the workplace.
7 Ways to Train Employees on New Technology
Provide Comprehensive Training
This bears repeating. Provide comprehensive training sessions that encompass the functionality, advantages, and correct utilization of secured entrance solutions. Integrate interactive components and demonstrations to ensure employees grasp the effective operation of these technologies.
Highlight Security Benefits
Emphasize the security benefits of solutions. For integrated secured entrances, these can include preventing unauthorized access, deterring intruders, and enhancing overall safety within the workplace. Illustrate this with real-world scenarios where these technologies have proven instrumental in thwarting physical security breaches.
Address Common Concerns
Acknowledge any apprehensions or misconceptions employees may have about new technologies. Address usability, safety, and privacy concerns to alleviate any resistance to adopting solutions.
Demonstrate Ease of Use
Through hands-on training exercises, showcase the user-friendly nature of secured entrance solutions. Highlight features such as intuitive interfaces, swift entry and exit processes, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Utilize Visual Aids
Supplement training sessions with visual aids, such as instructional videos, infographics, and signage near entry points. Visual representations can reinforce key concepts and serve as quick references for employees.
Encourage Active Participation
Foster a culture of active participation by encouraging employees to ask questions, provide feedback, and share their experiences using the security solutions. Incorporate interactive elements into training sessions to promote engagement and retention of information.
Offer Ongoing Support
Provide ongoing support and resources to employees as they familiarize themselves with new technology. Establish designated points of contact for assistance, such as ambassadors, and encourage employees to report any issues or concerns promptly.
Using these tips and insights, organizations can effectively educate employees on the importance of a new technology, fostering a security-conscious workforce that can enhance workplace safety and establish peace of mind, contributing to a more productive workplace environment.
Kurt Measom serves as vice president of technology and product support and is part of the enterprise account security team. Measom has been employed at Boon Edam for over 25 years serving in multiple roles including vice president of technical services, training and quality. During the past eight years, Measom has worked closely with Boon Edam’s enterprise sales team as an advisor for security solutions to many Fortune 1000 companies and is currently a Lenel Certified Associate. Measom graduated from the University of Utah with BS and MBA degrees and currently lives with his wife in the Salt Lake City area.