Providing a healthy and safe workspace for your employees is the most important and at the same time the most basic thing you can offer them. Multiple studies have shown that the person who is feeling safe and cared for is happier and more relaxed, which causes increased motivation and productivity. One of the best ways to provide just that is by installing a security camera system on your business property, which can serve both as the prevention and the key to solving a possible problematic situation that your employees have gotten into.
Customers Committing Theft
A customer shoplifting or stealing isn’t necessarily dangerous for the employee but it surely is an uncomfortable and frustrating situation. It is hard to remember the faces of all of the customers in detail and it could be crucial for catching the perpetrator. By installing cameras, you won’t leave such a heavy burden on your employees and at the same time, you will get the necessary hard evidence of misconduct. In some cases, if the worker confronts the person who is stealing, they could react badly and cause verbal or physical harm to them. Having it all videotaped will help your employee have some peace of mind knowing that the whole incident is caught in video form.
Theft of Employee’s Private Property
Unfortunately, there is also a possibility of the personal property of the employee being stolen or destroyed in the workplace. For example, they have their own office in which they receive clients. It is a busy day and in the moment of inattention one of the clients steals something of theirs, like a cellphone or a wallet, and they don’t notice it until later. Because of the quantity of the clients, possibly heavy workload, and tiredness they may not remember every client that walked through the evidence. This is the moment in which the video footage of the day would be crucial for determining the perpetrator. Additionally, it is not that impossible that due to some sort of dispute between them and other employees someone who they work with steals their things. Nobody wants to work in that kind of climate and those kinds of people, so determining who did it may be crucial for the smooth run of the company.
Armed Robberies
This is one of the most dangerous situations an employee may be met with. There are protocols in every establishment which are required in these kinds of situations, but it is nonetheless extremely scary and stressful. The employee who went through this event may be too traumatized to remember every detail, or in some unfortunate cases even hurt. When the police are called they will surely ask if you have security cameras installed because that is the most accurate representation of what took place. It will help them determine the exact time, place, and harm that was done, the perpetrator is more likely to be caught and your employee will get their justice.
Harassment
If your employee files a complaint of harassment to you about another employee or a client, it is important to believe them and find out what happened exactly. Having security cameras could help you with that. Whether it be sexual harassment, stalking, or verbal abuse, you will be able to determine the exact event and bring the guilty party to justice. This will improve your relationship with your worker and they will feel consoled and cared for, making them more eager to go to a safe place of work.
Conflict
As previously mentioned, there is a chance that there may be some conflict between the employees, and it could escalate to some of the more serious offenses. Also, you could never know your clients completely, and there have been many cases where clients caused a conflict between them and the worker because some of their needs weren’t met the way they wanted them to be. This could be extremely disruptive to the work environment, and having security cameras could be a key to proving that your employee has been put in an uncomfortable situation.
Violence
Every conflict that was previously mentioned could in the worst-case scenario escalate to a violent episode. There have even been cases of fights between the clients in some establishments. It is not that common but it happens, and solving the problem and punishing the guilty party will be much easier if the place in which it had played out has video footage of the event. The safety of employees could be seriously damaged, so you need to offer them some comfort along with hard evidence.
Injuries in the Workplace
If the employee gets hurt in their workplace, they will need some sort of evidence of it to be able to get their personal insurance compensation. Medical bills could be extremely costly, and it could cause your employee additional stress. To prove to them that you care about their well-being, it would be best to provide them with the footage that will help them in their case. Well cared for employees are happy employees.
Invasion of Employee’s Privacy
Let’s end with the main concern that people have when they hear that the video security system will be installed at the place they work in and that is an invasion of their privacy. That is why there are a few things you should discuss with them before doing that. It is important to be extremely transparent and inform them about video surveillance immediately. Don’t hide the cameras from them and avoid installing them in places that require privacy, like bathrooms. It would also be a smart idea to avoid filming the sound with the security camera, as it would make your workers feel like they aren’t able to talk to each other freely and like they are being controlled.
Final Word
As we can see from previous examples, there are a lot of unpredictable things that could happen to an employee. Knowing there is evidence that could prove the cause of their misfortune and help them get their justice will make them feel comfortable and safe. No business can be successful if the workers are treated badly and carelessly, so make sure that you give them everything they need to feel at ease and happy. In these cases, security cameras could be crucial for that exact purpose.