Home Office Security

Working from home offers many advantages, both in convenience and economic terms, but it also can make you vulnerable. Within the home office itself, the keys to protecting yourself are preparation and control of your surroundings.

Begin by placing your office in a location close to the entrance of the house. If setting up in a back room is unavoidable, conduct business with clients in a front room when possible. Whatever room you’re in, though, arrange yourself so that an office visitor cannot block your access to an exit. Regardless of where your office is located, avoid displaying valuables.

Next, control who comes into your home office. Screen clients carefully, and whenever possible meet first-timers at a location away from the home office. This is especially important if your business requires that you advertise in widespread locations or publications. Generally, referrals from current clients or business acquaintances are less risky. If a potential client indicates that he or she has been referred by someone else, check with the referral source before inviting the new client to your home.

Think ahead and have solutions for situations that might be uncomfortable. Just as you have a fire escape plan for your family, you should have a mental escape plan for uncomfortable business situations.

• If your office is in a rear room and your copier (or some other large equipment) needs service, you will need to take the service tech back to it, of course, but try to schedule the appointment when a family member or neighbor can be there.
• If someone is scheduled to visit your office on behalf of another company, call that company ahead of time and verify the contact person’s information.
• If someone is in your office and you feel uncomfortable, excuse yourself to make a phone call, but make the call in their presence. Call a neighbor or family member, and in the conversation make it sound as if you are expecting them to arrive at your office soon. That will generally make it easier to end your current meeting.
• Consider a security system with a panic alarm. These can range from the simple hand-held variety to those wired into a home alarm system.

Finally, many local law enforcement agencies offer free residential security inspections. Request this service and ask for additional suggestions regarding home office security.

Barbara Cunningham, CunninghamB@missouri.edu
Business Development Specialist
Clay County, Missouri
University of Missouri Extension