Dealing with Employee Concerns About CCTV in the Workplace

It’s far from unusual these days for companies to install CCTV systems both inside and outside their premises. Thanks to huge advances in CCTV technology over the last decade or so, doing so has become both easier and more affordable. But there is one aspect of making such a move that often causes employers great concern as they consider doing so; what their employees will think.

Why Employees Balk at Video Surveillance

In many ways CCTV is becoming a part of everyday life. You expect that when you go to the gas station, the supermarket and even when you use an ATM you are being videotaped.

In communities around the country city and town officials are following the European lead and adding CCTV surveillance to parks, community centers and even to the streets in general. There are many legitimate, sensible and valid reasons for doing so and most people understand that. But when it comes to being monitored at work? This is where some people begin to ‘draw the line’.

Some of people’s fears about video surveillance at work are, unfortunately, fueled by the popular media. There have been a number of stories about employers who overstepped the mark and used their CCTV system in unethical and sometimes criminal ways. Such things are actually rather uncommon, but the media does not always portray this.

Another big reason that some employees dislike the idea of being monitored while they work is a feeling that by doing so their employer is indicating that they believe that their workforce is untrustworthy, something that admittedly can be an unpleasant thought for a loyal, hardworking person who feels like they give the company their all.

And finally there is a simple, basic dislike of being ‘spied on’. Some people feel that this will add additional pressure on them to ‘perform’ in a certain way and others simply don’t like being watched.

Talking to Your Employees about CCTV

The best way to deal with these possible concerns is to face them head on before the installation company arrives to get to work. By calling a meeting – preferably a somewhat informal and relaxed one, maybe over breakfast or lunch, and opening up a sensible conversation about CCTV in the workplace will often help allay employee fears and concerns.

Take the time to point out all of the positives of the idea. CCTV footage can be used to resolve disputes, to deter visitors to the premises from behaving inappropriately and, especially in the case of outdoor cameras trained on a parking lot, help keep employees safer. After all, it’s not exactly uncommon for you to feel a little nervous walking to your car at the end of the day, even if you are at a place as familiar as your company parking lot.

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4 Benefits of Business WiFi That Create a Competitive Advantage

The benefits of offering free WiFi is game-changer for many small businesses. As a small business owner, providing customers with the best experience possible is one of your primary objectives.

You understand that it’s critical to your success. Meeting and exceeding customers needs is what differentiates you from competitors and makes your business stand out.

As an employer, you want your employees to be productive. You want them to have the tools they need to get the job done, the best they can. And in the least amount of time.

Providing both employees and customers with fast, reliable WiFi meets each of the needs and more, and can create a competitive advantage for your small business.

Consider these four impactful benefits of business WiFi for your business to provide increased benefits to your visitors.

Increase Customer Satisfaction

Customers view WiFi access at your business as a necessity. In just a few years in the minds of most consumers, access to free WiFi transformed is no longer a perk, it’s an expectation.

This is particularly in the hospitality industry, where a lack of hotel (or Airbnb) WiFi access is a major deal breaker. For while-you-wait service providers (such as auto mechanics) or other by-appointment businesses (like doctor’s offices, salons, and legal practices), WiFi makes wait times seem shorter and even helps make your customers more comfortable if there are unforeseen delays.

Customers can do the product research in-store, which lets them feel more confident about their purchasing decisions.

Additionally, customer WiFi lets you create some new branding and marketing opportunities. You can create a branded customer portal to deliver coupons, news, customized recommendations, loyalty rewards and more. Along the way, you can collect customer email addresses and data to help you make smarter decisions.

More than merely meeting a common customer expectation, in-store wireless internet access is important because it helps you to connect with your customers, promoting your brand and engaging with them directly. An app providing customers with benefits like a map to products they’re interested in, location-based coupons, or curated recommendations can make for a more personal, meaningful customer experience.

Promote Productivity

Great WiFi in the office is all about increasing productivity. Cloud-based apps make it possible to get work done from just about anywhere and collaborate with partners around the world. The cloud enables you to back up your data securely so you can still access it from anywhere, no matter what happens. These tools can consolidate and streamline your workflow, and because they run on the web they don’t require any installation time.

Another option is to use business WiFi to overhaul your telephone system. Voice over IP (VoIP) and other internet-based communication technologies let you effortlessly route and reroute calls, even if a key member of your team is on the go.

These systems scale up easily for growth, or you can leverage them to take advantage of a distributed team. In case something goes wrong, they offer a high level of redundancy to keep you connected to your customers.

Business WiFi is the backbone of all of these technologies, so you need a solid network to support them.

Boost Employee Satisfaction

One of the best ways to keep employees motivated and engaged is to put them in a position to succeed. You want your team to feel like you’re taking care of them, and if you’ve ever sat staring at a loading screen then you know what a difference a good business WiFi connection makes for your productivity (and your mood).

You want to get work done, not be sitting around waiting to even get started. Help your employees do their jobs better (and with less frustration) with a speedy and reliable WiFi connection.

A wireless network also frees up your team to find the best space for them to focus, whether that’s a quieter space down the hall or the bustling coffee shop next door.

By allowing each employee to find an environment that best suits him or her at a particular time (and with cloud-based collaboration tools, that environment might be home), you increase productivity and employee satisfaction.

Boost Profits

All the above business benefits come hand-in-hand with WiFi. You don’t need expensive equipment or to spend hours to get something up and running to benefit from a great business network. Business WiFi is a smart investment that comes with a significant ROI.

Ready to add a more efficient WiFi system to your business network? Call us today, we’ll help you create and implement the one that’s just right for you, your employees and/or your customers.