Implementing video surveillance is a useful way to increase your building’s security. Many businesses use video surveillance to prevent and identify theft, to ensure workers are following workplace safety requirements, and more. While surveillance systems are useful methods of security, some employees may be wary of the shift to constant monitoring. If you’re implementing a new system, here’s how to talk to your employees about the purpose of video surveillance in the workplace, so they can feel comfortable doing their jobs going forward.
Inform Employees About New Video Surveillance
In most situations, you are legally required to inform employees about new video surveillance in the workplace. In banks, restaurants, and retail buildings where video security is a must, employees don’t have a reasonable expectation of privacy, but in other applications, like in an office building, employees might not expect interior video surveillance.
Telling employees about the system is not only lawful, but it helps build trust between you and your team. When they know that you’re being upfront with them, they’ll have less reason for concern.
Be Clear About the Business Reasons Behind the Video Surveillance
When you inform employees about video surveillance in the workplace, be sure to outline the reasons you’re implementing the system in the first place. Are you protecting against theft and robbery? Are the cameras up to monitor workplace safety? Will you be monitoring employees’ daily actions, or are the cameras primarily for the unlikely event of a crisis or theft?
Clearly establishing the purpose of the video surveillance system again helps employees understand where you are coming from. When they understand the real business concerns behind video surveillance in the workplace, they’re more likely to be on board with the change.
Be Clear About What Video Surveillance Will NOT Be Used For
Just as it’s important to outline what your new cameras will be used for, it’s equally important to tell employees what your surveillance system won’t be used for. For example, if you’re installing the system for security reasons, reassure employees that the system is not there to watch them constantly or monitor their at-work actions.
If you are monitoring employee actions, explain the motive behind that. If you’re looking to enforce safety precautions, tell employees that your cameras will be used to make sure everyone is working safely, not to punish someone for taking their breaks.
Establish a Surveillance Policy
Once you’ve had an honest, helpful conversation with your employees about your new workplace video surveillance system, it’s in your best interest to establish a surveillance policy that clearly outlines all of those points you’ve just talked about. A few key items to include in your surveillance policy might be:
Business reasons for implementing video surveillance:
- Who has access to the video
- How to obtain video footage
- Which areas are covered by cameras
- Which areas are not covered by cameras
- Any covert cameras that may be installed
- Overall proprietary rights of the video
Implementing video surveillance in the workplace might come with a few growing pains, but once your system is in place and your employees are on board with the change, you’ll have the technology to keep your building, your products, and your workers safe.
Considering implementing video surveillance, but not sure where to start? The Vanguard team would love to help. We install a variety of surveillance cameras, from complete 360-degree viewing angles to infrared technology, and we’d be happy to design and install a system that best suits your industry and unique facility.