HOme office safety and security

​Home Office Safety and Security
 
After nearly 30 years of working in an office setting, I looked forward to starting my own business and working from home.

The coffee is good, the commute is short.  And the dress code is…. Well, let’s just say it’s relaxed.

But one thing I didn’t consider was safety and security.  In an office setting, those things are taken care of. You have physical security. And trained personnel.  Maybe even surveillance equipment.  But in a home office, security is what you make it.

Here are a few things I learned:

Security--Consider making your office an area that can be locked using a separate key from the rest of your home. You may also consider a home security system. Alarms, cameras and other monitoring systems may be useful to protect client records or other sensitive documents.  Many security companies offer home security systems which can be customized to fit your needs.

Personal Safety--Consider limiting the number of business-related meetings you have in your home. This may not be an issue with clients you know. But it should be something you think about when you’re working with someone new.  You can always meet in a public place if you need to meet face to face. A coffee shop works well. You may also want to use technology to have face to face meetings over the internet.  Products such as Skype are a staple for many home businesses.

Stay Organized--There are also ways to keep your paperwork organized and secure.  A locking file cabinet and/or a safe are good solutions.  Also, scanners, computer software and external storage devices can reduce the “footprint” of your home office storage. (It may also be easier to find things when they are stored digitally). 

Cybersecurity--Various software systems are available to maintain the privacy and security of your home network. Office documents and communications should remain confidential.  You may want to consider password protection, encryption, off-site storage and system monitoring.  As with physical security, many of these services can be packaged and customized.

Fire-- You probably have a fire safety plan for your home, but what about your home office?  Space heaters, for example, can present a huge fire hazard. This is particularly true if you have a lot of paperwork, receipts or other flammable items stored nearby.  Having a dedicated smoke detector and a fire extinguisher can help you minimize damage.
Remember, you could lose both your home and your business in a fire.

Insurance--Will your homeowner’s insurance policy cover losses associated with your business?  How about injuries?  Starting a home-based business is a great reason to meet with your agent. Take some time to review your coverage, and adjust accordingly.
 
I hope you find these tips helpful. 
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Please post your thoughts or comments, as well as any suggestions you have for future topics.

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