Day to day, you’re focused on things like satisfying customers, increasing call volume, and booking more appointments. Safety and security may be the last thing on your mind! The fact is, though, that your UPbook business must be prepared. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! Here are a few simple tips for helping to increase your facility’s security:
Doors and Windows
If possible, set up your UPbook business’s front desk in such a way that staff members have a clear line of sight to the front door and directly outside. That allows employees to see who is coming in, providing crucial extra seconds in the event of an emergency.
While the front door of your UPbook business must remain unlocked for customers, keep side and back doors locked throughout the day. If your budget allows, upgrade to coded keypads instead of locks and keys––they’re more secure, and you don’t have to change out your UPbook business’s locks ever again!
Lighting
Are the areas around your UPbook facility’s perimeter well-lit by street lamps or floodlights? At night, this can make all the difference, because criminals are deterred by well-lit areas. When employees leave at night, have them use the buddy system so that everyone reaches their cars safely.
Emergency Contact Tips
Place a card of emergency contact phone numbers––hospitals and trauma centers, poison control centers, the electric and gas company, etc.––next to every phone in your UPbook business. This can save critical seconds during an emergency and prevents employees from having to perform a frantic Google search.
Team Review
At least once per year, hold a company-wide review to go over your UPbook business’s safety and security procedures. You can even ask your local sheriff's office or a security firm to come in and conduct a review, providing even more recommendations.
Dealing With Difficult Customers
For almost all members of UPbook, dealing with a difficult customer is a much more likely scenario than dealing with an armed intruder or a robbery. It’s important to have front desk staff properly trained to diffuse difficult scenarios, though, because things can quickly spiral into a more serious security situation. First, have your UPbook staff members express understanding and empathy to the customer in question––try phrasing like “I understand how frustrated you are…” or “I hear you.” Next, offer action. Once you’re getting actively involved in the solution by performing action, the customer knows you really care.
Don’t let safety and security fall by the wayside. It’s always better to be prepared ahead of time, rather than deal with an emergency after it’s affected your UPbook staff or customers’ safety.
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