Future-proofing workplace security: Expert advice for an unknown future

Workplace security isn’t just about locks and doors anymore. New risks, new tech, and new ways of working are pushing companies to rethink how they keep people and data safe. The goal: fewer fragmented tools, stronger protection, and tighter alignment between physical and digital security.

In our webinar, How to safeguard your workplace for the long term, we hosted a panel discussion on this topic with security experts:

• Lee Odess, Global access control leader
• Julius Jayasekaran, Datadog's Global Head of Physical Security
• Nicole Persaud, Samsara's Head of Global Safety and Security

Here’s a closer look at the questions we asked and the insights our panelists shared.

How do you handle the overlap between physical and information security?

Physical and IT security can’t operate in silos. The best approach is joint ownership, like forming a cross-functional team to build one unified plan. That way, both sides stay aligned and address risks together.

It’s also important to prioritize tech that adapts and works together—especially in hybrid workplaces. Cloud-based systems scale as you grow, and open platforms connect data from different tools into one dashboard. That single view shows what’s happening in real time so you can make informed, data-driven decisions.

Want to dig deeper?

• Top 5 trends shaping the future of physical workplace security
• 4 compliance worst-case scenarios–and how to avoid them
• 5 ways to empower your people to protect your organization

Where do you see innovation in access control heading? 

“Innovation isn't just about technology,” emphasizes Lee Odess. It can also show up in business practices. For example, the industry is moving from mainly hardware sales to more recurring revenue models. As Lee noted, “Whether it's pricing or packaging, there's innovation happening. Software as a service (SaaS) is now being introduced in many areas. Historically, most of our industry was based on hardware sales. So now there's also software sales.”

Security integrators are also leveling up. Instead of just wiring hardware, they’re blending operations tools with security apps and shifting toward software-first solutions.

“The definition of what it means to be a security integrator is changing,” said Lee. “Many integrate operational systems—like ServiceNow and Salesforce—into their security tools. Before, when we talked about integration, it was a video system into access control. That was it. But new entities are coming in that are creating new use cases.”

Want to dig deeper?

• Why access control is important in the workplace
• Access control and visitor management — more than just security
• It’s time to invest in employee and visitor care systems, not control

What’s your approach to balancing data and privacy?

Julius Jayasekaran recommends taking a cautious approach when balancing data and privacy priorities. He stressed the importance of “anonymizing data with analytics tools” to meet privacy requirements.

He also pointed to tight partnerships with legal and privacy teams. They help security stay in step with changing laws while still making smart use of data.

“My advice? First and foremost, create that partnership with your legal teams. Do your due diligence before launching something,” Julius said. “For example, consider the data mapping process in the U.K. Can you use data from France for initiatives in England? Can you do this and that? And so on.”

Want to dig deeper?

• 5 common compliance standards enterprises should know about
• How to secure your business with powerful digital security
• Outdated workplace compliance management is a threat to business success

Any recommendations for handling increasing privacy concerns, especially in California?

Start by understanding which compliance standards apply to your organization. For example, companies with locations in California must comply with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Meeting compliance is one thing. Keeping up with changing laws is another. A visitor management system (VMS) can help simplify both. 

These systems automate tasks like:

• Getting electronic consent
• Displaying privacy policies during visitor sign-in
• Automatically deleting visitor data

Automation makes it easier to stay compliant, protect privacy, and follow rules like California’s “right to be forgotten.”

Want to dig deeper?

• How a visitor management system can help manufacturers be compliant
• The buyer’s guide for workplace security software
• Internal audits and compliance: two sides of the same coin

If you were moving into a new building, what would be your 3 top tips?

Nicole Persaud shared her recommendations:

1. Design security without relying solely on technology. Integrate security features naturally into building design. For example, when designing elevator vestibules, include emergency exits within the vestibule instead of separately. This enhances safety, ensures compliance (e.g., push-to-exit buttons), and reduces the need for extra hardware.
2. Define security standards clearly. Especially in leased spaces, decide what’s mandatory versus optional. As Nicole noted, “Build out and define. What are your standards? What's optional, and what's not?”
3. Layer your defenses around real risks. Match your budget to how each space will be used, and choose a VMS that ties it all together. 

Want to dig deeper?

• The ultimate guide to workplace management
• Securing tomorrow's workplace: Tips for navigating the return to office
• Biogen’s Brandon Bourque unlocks key insights for an effective physical security program

Last word: Leverage the right tools to secure your workplace

Is your workplace as secure as it could be? Between keeping people safe, protecting data, and staying compliant, there’s a lot to manage. But by taking a page from our panelists’ playbook—combining the right tools with smart processes—you can future-proof your workplace and be ready for whatever comes next.

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Ready to find the right fit? Grab our eBook, The buyer’s guide to visitor management software, for more tips on choosing the best solution for your team.