Workplace Security Measures

Fast workplace safety upgrades including entry controls, front desk alerts, and schedule adjustments.

Workplace Security Measures

Overview

This checklist focuses on simple workplace security options that may reduce risk related to an abusive partner, ex-partner, or family member. It is designed to be used with your supervisor, HR, or security staff where that feels safe.

Before You Change Anything

• Identify who at work it feels safest to talk to (supervisor, HR, security, union rep).
• Decide what you want to share and what you prefer to keep private.
• Check any workplace policies related to security, harassment, or visitors.
• Consider how your work schedule, role, or visibility (public-facing vs. private) might affect options.
• Note any specific risks: recent threats, court orders, stalking, access to weapons, or known attempts to show up at your work.

Badge Changes

1. Access Badge and Entry Permissions

• Ask if your badge can be:
  • Reissued with a new ID number.
  • Re-coded so it only opens certain doors.
  • Set to require two-factor entry (e.g., badge plus PIN) if available.
• Confirm whether building access logs your entries and exits and who can see that information.
• Ask security if your badge photo or visible details can be updated, especially if your appearance has changed for safety reasons.

2. Visitor Badge Procedures

• Ask how visitor badges are issued and what information is checked.
• Request that:
  • The person of concern is not issued a visitor badge without pre-approval.
  • Security or reception is alerted if they request a badge.
  • Your location or floor is not shared with them.
• Confirm how visitor badges are tracked and returned at the end of visits.

3. Badge Visibility

• Consider whether wearing your badge openly outside the building makes you easier to identify.
• Ask if it is acceptable to:
  • Put your badge away when leaving the property.
  • Use a badge holder that hides your name from a distance.

Reception Instructions

1. Information for Reception or Front Desk

• Provide a recent photo of the person of concern if that feels safe and is allowed.
• Share:
  • Their name and any other names they may use.
  • Known vehicles (make, model, color, license plate if known).
  • Any current protective orders or trespass notices, if you choose to share that.
• Clarify what you want to happen if they arrive:
  • Who should be called first (you, security, supervisor, HR).
  • Whether the person should be told you are “not available” or “not on site.”
  • Whether they should be kept in a public lobby area and not escorted to your workspace.

2. Communication Plan

• Agree on:
  • How reception will contact you (phone, messaging system, email).
  • Backup contacts if you cannot be reached.
  • Code words or simple phrases that signal concern (for example, “You have a package” meaning “Please come to security”).
• Review any after-hours or weekend procedures if your building is open outside standard times.

3. Privacy at Reception

• Ask reception not to:
  • Confirm your schedule, shift, or when you leave work.
  • Share your direct extension or email address without your consent.
  • Give out personal information such as your phone number, parking location, or home address.

Parking Lot Precautions

1. Choosing Where to Park

• Ask if:
  • You can park in a more visible, better-lit area.
  • There are reserved spaces closer to the entrance that you can temporarily use.
  • There is a secure or employee-only section of the lot or garage.
• Note any cameras that cover your parking area and who monitors them.

2. Arriving and Leaving

• Consider:
  • Arriving and leaving with a coworker when possible.
  • Varying your parking spot or route within the lot if that feels safer.
  • Waiting inside the building for a rideshare, taxi, or pickup rather than in the lot.
• Ask if security or reception offers:
  • Escort services to and from your vehicle.
  • Check-ins at set times (for example, when you start or end your shift).

3. Vehicle Visibility and Information

• Review what information is visible on your car:
  • Work-related decals or badges that show where you work.
  • License plate numbers that the person of concern already knows.
• Ask your workplace whether:
  • Vehicle registration information is stored and who has access to it.
  • They can avoid posting staff vehicle information in public areas.

Safe Desk Setup

1. Desk Location and Access

• Consider whether moving to:
  • A more interior or secure area is an option.
  • A location where visitors cannot easily walk up to your desk.
• Ask if your area can be:
  • Keycard-access only.
  • Behind a controlled door or hallway.

2. Phone and Computer Settings

• Ask IT or security about:
  • Blocking certain phone numbers from reaching your direct line.
  • Routing unknown calls through a main switchboard first.
  • Using a general office number instead of your direct line on public materials.
• Review:
  • Screen lock settings and password protection.
  • Whether email filters can move messages from specific senders to a separate folder.
  • Whether your calendar is visible to others and if your location details can be limited.

3. Personal Information at Your Desk

• Remove or limit:
  • Documents showing your home address, personal phone number, or children’s schools.
  • Badges, passes, or keys that reveal other locations you visit regularly.
• Store:
  • A list of key contacts (work security, HR, supervisor) in an easy-to-reach spot.
  • A copy of any protective orders or relevant documentation if you choose to share with security or HR.

Emergency Contacts for Workplace

1. Internal Contacts

• Identify:
  • Primary workplace contact (supervisor, manager, HR).
  • Secondary contact if the primary person is unavailable.
  • Security office or building management contact.
  • Union representative or employee representative, if applicable.
• Store these contacts:
  • In your phone under clear labels.
  • On a printed card in your wallet, bag, or desk.

2. External Supports

• List:
  • Local non-emergency law enforcement or community safety numbers, if you choose to involve them.
  • Local advocacy organizations or hotlines that focus on relationship safety.
  • Any legal contacts, if you have them, such as a lawyer or legal clinic.
• Decide:
  • Which external contacts your workplace is allowed to call in a serious incident.
  • What information can be shared with them.

3. Information Sharing Plan

• Write down:
  • Who at work knows about the situation.
  • What each person has been told.
  • What each person’s role is if a concern arises (for example, “call security,” “stay with me,” “document incident”).
• Review the plan regularly, especially if:
  • Your role, shift, or location changes.
  • There are new incidents, threats, or legal developments.

Quick Review Checklist

• Badge changes:
  • Badge number or access updated.
  • Visitor rules set for the person of concern.
  • Badge visibility considered when offsite.
• Reception instructions:
  • Photo and information shared if comfortable.
  • Clear actions agreed for if they arrive.
  • Reception knows what information not to share.
• Parking lot:
  • Safer parking spot identified.
  • Arrival/departure routine considered.
  • Security escort options reviewed.
• Desk setup:
  • Desk location reviewed.
  • Phone, email, and calendar settings adjusted.
  • Personal information removed or secured.
• Emergency contacts:
  • Internal and external contacts listed and stored.
  • Information-sharing plan set.
  • Plan updated after any changes or incidents.

Recommended Articles

• Safety Planning Checklist
• Gathering Evidence
• Technology and Digital Safety
• Talking to HR About Safety
• Communicating Boundaries at Work