8 tips for a safe, secure, and supercharged workplace in 2024

When it comes to ensuring a safe, secure, and efficient workplace, it can often feel easier said than done. Organizations face a complex and ever-expanding list of challenges. From navigating return-to-office (RTO) to addressing different security threats, leaders are juggling multiple priorities as they look into 2024. In response, they must evolve their approaches and policies to safeguard their organizations.

In this blog post, we explore eight tips workplace leaders are focusing on this year to maintain a secure and operational workplace. Let’s dive in. 

1. Establish a culture of safety

Workplace safety is a collective effort. After all, you can implement different security measures, but without the buy-in from your employees, they are useless.

It’s important to establish a culture of awareness and employee participation when it comes to workplace security. Start with involving your employees in shaping your safety and security strategies. By doing so, you increase their commitment to your different policies. You also empower them to develop better habits in order to protect themselves and others.

“Letting employees have a voice in your workplace safety approach can help boost engagement and make them feel more responsible for upholding their own rules. Encourage them to think of this as an opportunity to protect themselves and their coworkers by developing better habits.” - Traci Hopkins, Director of Programs and Events, Long and Foster

2. Continuously plan for succession

As your workplace evolves, so should your team. Continuous succession planning is crucial for fostering strong, resilient leadership within your organization. This “always-on switch” ensures the right people grow in their roles, creating a secure future for your business.

“Always be succession planning. Know who you're investing in to build the next levels of leadership and help them grow in their roles. It creates both strength and resiliency within the organization.” - Erik Boemanns, CTO/CISO, Mirability

3. Enhance your security technology set-up

Investing in advanced security technologies, coupled with regular safety training, is crucial for a safe and secure workplace in 2024. This includes a visitor management system, access control methods, and integrations.

It also includes enhancing your cybersecurity by updating your IT policies. Attacks of all kinds, especially AI-powered cyber attacks, are all expected to rise this year. Regular risk assessments, emergency notifications, and drills ensure that employees are prepared and aware of various security threats.

4. Plan ahead for visitors 

Proactive planning for visitors who are onsite is a crucial step to maintaining a safe and secure environment–especially as more employees and visitors meet onsite. 

While investing in a visitor management system is the first step all companies should take, planning what happens when people are through your doors is also important. This includes logging dietary requirements ahead of time and any possible physical impairments, so you can keep meetings running smoothly when guests arrive.

5. Maintain open communication among staff

A key element in ensuring a safe, secure, and efficient workplace is fostering a culture of open communication. This year, keeping the lines of communication fluid and responsive is crucial–from operations, HR, and executives. 

When everyone is actively involved in regular dialogue, concerns can be addressed promptly, and solutions can be developed collaboratively. This not only enhances safety and security but also contributes significantly to building a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

“Communication. Make sure that lines of communication are open and used promptly, between your staff, workplace operations & leadership, HR, and executives. You want to make sure concerns are addressed in due time, and that reflects well upon the culture of the workplace.” - Aaron Chu, VP of Engineering, Shift 

6. Conduct yearly audits and adhere to industry best standards

With different flexible working models rising this year, it has introduced a myriad of security and compliance challenges. As more people access the workplace, the need to meet stringent regulatory requirements to maintain a secure environment has become even more paramount.

Regular compliance audits are crucial to ensure adherence to these regulations. Efficient data management is key–capturing accurate attendance and occupancy reduces errors and bolsters security and compliance. This streamlined approach not only saves time but also provides crucial real-time data for safety and regulatory purposes, leading to a safer, more compliant workplace. When it comes time for an audit, companies can easily access and present a comprehensive and accurate attendance data history from a single system.

7. Build relationships to foster trust in leadership 

Trust in leadership is at an all time low. According to DDI’s Global Leadership Forecast, only 32% of employees trust senior leadership to act in their best interests in their organization. 

If companies today want to maintain a safe and secure environment, they must foster a culture of trust in leadership. This starts with building a thriving community with strong communication–with listening to employees and their concerns, and being transparent with any changes to work policies. 

“Since the pandemic, it has become apparent just how important relationship building is in the workplace. Building relationships leads to trust and if employees trust their leadership, then they will have faith that whatever decisions they make are in their best interests." - Cici Ebersole, Chief Talent Officer, Ducks Unlimited

8. Consider human sustainability in work practices

Incorporating human sustainability into work practices is essential for maintaining a secure and productive workplace. Ensure your employees have sufficient recovery time, autonomy in their tasks, and appropriate flexibility. You can then create an environment that not only supports their well-being, but also enhances overall workplace security. 

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As we move into 2024, these eight tips offer a roadmap for maintaining a safe, secure, and efficient workplace. It’s about combining the right technology with a culture of safety, communication, and trust. By focusing on these key areas, businesses can not only navigate the challenges of the modern workplace but also thrive in them.

Want to know more about what a safe, secure, and efficient workplace looks like in 2024? Download our new whitepaper today!