5 Reasons Your Company Needs a Video Surveillance System
While all businesses need to take adequate security measures to secure their premises, security management plays a rather crucial role in the efficient operation of enterprise-level establishments. With multiple floors of offices, high numbers of employees, and both indoor and outdoor campuses, taking the proper physical security measures is vital to the safety of the corporation’s employees and in the protection of both the employees and executives in liability cases.
Technology’s modern advances have completely revolutionized the surveillance practice. Premium surveillance systems are now equipped with cutting-edge technology that can record day-to-day operations in full HD quality. Furthermore, the outdated usage of DVR recordings has shifted to a cloud based solution, offering executives remote viewing access from most devices. While these features might sound advance and intimidate those who may not have the time to dissect a new system, these security cameras are known for their simple interface, their ease of use, and their quick and hassle-free installation. If you’re unsure whether your corporation should opt for such a surveillance system, here are five major considerations to help you decide.
- Reduce theft
One of the most obvious reasons to install a security system is to prevent theft from occurring. While it is estimated that there are around 275 million incidents of retail theft per year, only 2.17 percent of the perpetrators of these crime are ever caught.
Those whose business is not confined within the retail sector may assume they don’t have to worry about theft, but this is merely a misconception. All companies have property that can be stolen, both intellectual and physical. Precautionary security measures can help catch criminals, but they can also help prevent break-ins, robberies, or data theft before it’s too late.
While the crime of theft can certainly be committed by outsiders, a shocking statistic revealed that around 75 percent of employees in the United States steal from their place of work. Again, surveillance cameras may be the simplest and most effective method of prevention. If employees know their actions are being monitored, they are much less likely to commit such actions. Executives want to trust their personnel, and they should to an extent, but it is also in their best interest to be prepared and to be one step ahead.
- Increase productivity and reduce expenses
With most work being executed digitally, it is easy for employees to get distracted while on the job. Be it following-up with personal matters, spending too much time on social sites, or simply not working at an expected pace, enterprise video surveillance systems can help curb these behaviors drastically. Not only will such systems help keep employees out of trouble —as staying away from non-work-related sites can prevent an unexpected cyber attack—but surveillance can actually make employees work harder. One study focused on the results of installing a surveillance system and found that businesses not only experienced a 22 percent decrease in theft, but also a 7 percent increase in profits. By studying surveillance footage, supervisors can aso monitor how hard employees are having to work, and assess whether more hands need to be hired.
As a CSO or CIO with a budget, you should always be looking for ways to reduce expenses. Installing surveillance cameras is an easy way to do so, as many insurance companies give discounts for corporations who opt to use surveillance systems.
- A safe workplace for employees
Not only do you need to protect your company, you also need to protect the people within the company. Workplace violence, in general, is a problem for many organizations. By having cameras in the parking lot and at all entrances and exit points, you will be able to maintain a safe working environment for your employees. This practice will also deter employees from hurting each other and from vandalizing company property.
- Sexual harassment
Unfortunately, sexual harassment in the workplace has been a concern for many decades, and with the rise of the #MeToo movement, it has become more visible than ever. In 2016, sexual harassment claims reached $43 million, making it both a significant safety and monetary concern for many companies. All necessary steps need to be taken to prevent sexual harassment, but if one of your employees does fall victim to this sort of behavior, it needs to be addressed delicately. Surveillance in the workplace is one of the best ways to prevent sexual harassment from ever happening in the first place. However, if surveillance does not deter perpetrators, the footage captured by surveillance systems can provide evidence to help victims and corporations seek justice.
- Avoid frivolous lawsuits
Lawsuits are a pain for any company and corporation. They are even more of a hassle when there is insufficient evidence to support your side. Unfortunately, some individuals will make fraudulent claims against your company in the hopes of securing monetary compensation. They might be clients, employees, or someone who happened to be in the vicinity of your corporation’s property. Either way, you want to have a system in place to prove your company’s innocence. A CCTV system can provide you with valuable evidence in court. Visible cameras can also help prevent these lawsuits from even happening in the first place, as any parties who wish to make allegations against you or your company will know their claims can be easily disproved.
Installing a security system is a simple step; however, it can make all the difference when it comes to the safety of your employees, your company, and its efficient operation.
