Working World

You don’t need to work in an airport to know that security is in everyone’s interest. Still, are you aware of  how much your worksite’s safety depends on you?

For instance, industrial espionage is at an all-time high. Sure, it doesn’t cause physical harm, but what about economic harm if the competition learns trade secrets? Even conversations in the elevator or the cafeteria about clients or projects can leak information to the wrong listener.

What about property theft? Retailers bemoan how much they lose to their employees, especially at construction sites and in restaurant kitchens. This loss ultimately affects your personal bottom line in terms of lower wages, lesser profit sharing and higher taxes. Here are some tips to keep your workplace safe.

•Take responsibility for your own things. Use your office key even for short trips to the copier. If you have a place to lock your purse, use it. Know what the policy is regarding employee theft and follow it.

•Maintain personal safety. When coworkers lend their I.D. badges, prop open locked doors, or allow strangers to slide through the entrance with them, they are putting everyone at risk. Respect security measures, don’t undermine them.

• Avoid working alone; carry a cell phone if you must. Use the guard to see you to your car after dark or enlist a fellow employee. Let people think you’re a ninny. Peace of mind is affirming!