Security isn’t just about keeping doors locked or having video surveillance to track vandalism. A good security plan is about protecting your people, data, and assets. As hybrid work reshapes the modern office, companies must rethink strategies to safeguard digital and physical security.

With 68% of companies adopting hybrid models, workplaces face unique vulnerabilities, from unauthorized office access to cyber threats targeting remote employees. This guide explores modern office security challenges and solutions to keep your business safe.

What is workplace security?

Workplace security combines physical, digital, and procedural measures to protect employees, assets, and company data. With hybrid work models, business owners must adapt strategies to address new vulnerabilities. A strong security framework balances workplace management with business continuity by safeguarding employee well-being and maintaining trust.

Office security: Protecting physical workspaces

Office security focuses on preventing unauthorized access, securing valuable assets, and ensuring a safe environment for employees and visitors.

• Access control: Implementing keycard entry, biometric authentication, or mobile credentials to restrict office access.
• Visitor management: Logging and tracking guests, contractors, and vendors to prevent unauthorized entry.
• Surveillance systems: Using AI-powered monitoring tools and real-time security alerts to detect threats.
• Secure storage: Providing lockers or restricted-access filing cabinets for sensitive documents and company devices.

With employees working in flexible spaces, platforms like Gable help office management by providing access to coworking locations and ensuring high-security standards across multiple sites.

Cybersecurity: Safeguarding digital infrastructure

Cybersecurity has become a forethought for business owners with employees accessing company data from various locations. A single vulnerability - whether from an unsecured Wi-Fi connection or an unauthorized app - can lead to data breaches, ransomware attacks, or intellectual property theft.

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Requires additional verification steps to reduce unauthorized access risks.
• Zero-trust security models: Ensures continuous authentication and restricts access based on user roles.
• Endpoint security: Protects company devices through antivirus software, firewalls, and monitoring tools.
• Training employees in cybersecurity: Helps employees recognize phishing scams, avoid public Wi-Fi risks, and implement strong password practices.

World Economic Forum shares that human error accounts for 95% of cybersecurity breaches. Ensuring employees understand digital security protocols is as important as the technology itself.

Health and safety: Creating a secure work environment

A secure workplace isn’t just about access control and cybersecurity - it’s also about employee well-being. Health and safety measures protect workers from physical hazards, emergencies, and health risks.

• Emergency preparedness: Fire drills, evacuation plans, and crisis management protocols ensure quick emergency response.
• Workplace hygiene & sanitation: Post-pandemic, companies prioritize clean air filtration, sanitization stations, and hybrid-friendly office layouts.
• Mental health & wellness: Security includes psychological safety—offering confidential resources, stress management programs, and inclusive workplace policies.

By implementing holistic security measures across office security, cybersecurity, and health and safety, companies can create a future-ready workplace that fosters trust, efficiency, and employee satisfaction.

Common office security risks in 2025

The 2025 workplace is more interconnected than ever, but with that connectivity comes increased security risks. A secure workplace is essential for maintaining employee trust, protecting valuable data, and ensuring business continuity.

Whether it's physical access vulnerabilities, cyber security threats, or compliance gaps, organizations must proactively address these risks to prevent costly breaches.

1. Keeping employees and visitors safe

Not all security risks come from outside threats. Disgruntled employees or simple human error can lead to data breaches, theft, or intentional misuse of company resources even in a small office.

Unsecured work environments can lead to unauthorized access, workplace violence, or even physical hazards that put employees at risk. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), businesses lose an estimated $1 billion per week due to workplace injuries.

Risk Mitigation:

• Conduct regular security training to educate employees on best practices for data handling, access control, and onsite workplace safety.
• Install smart access control systems that prevent unauthorized entry.
• Implement visitor management systems that track who enters and exits the premises.
• Develop emergency response plans for incidents like fires, natural disasters, or active threats.

2. Controlling access to your buildings and offices

Without proper security measures, an open-door policy can lead to unauthorized individuals accessing restricted areas, potentially exposing the company to theft, data breaches, or workplace safety incidents.

Office buildings can become easy targets for unauthorized individuals. Tailgating (when an unapproved person follows an employee into a secure area) and lost keycards are common issues that compromise office safety.

Risk mitigation:

• Use biometric or mobile-based keycard systems instead of traditional physical keycards, which can be lost or stolen.
• Use workplace analytics to know who is accessing which areas of your workspace and when.
• Adopt digital visitor passes that limit access to pre-approved areas.
• Monitor office occupancy with security cameras and workplace management tools to ensure employees and guests adhere to security policies.

Platforms like Gable provide secure workspace booking solutions, ensuring that only authorized employees can access designated coworking or office locations.

3. Protecting your data and systems

With employees frequently switching between home, the office, and public networks, exposure to cyber threats like phishing attacks, malware, and unsecured networks has increased.

Cyber threats remain one of the biggest risks for modern businesses, especially with the rise of hybrid and remote work. In 2025 alone, global cybercrime damages are expected to reach $10.5 trillion annually.

Risk Mitigation:

• Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) and zero-trust security models to ensure that only authorized personnel access sensitive data.
• Use endpoint security software to protect company-issued devices from malware and unauthorized access.
• Provide regular cybersecurity training to employees to help them recognize phishing attacks and avoid weak password practices.

4. Maintaining compliance

Companies operating in regulated industries, like finance, healthcare, and government sectors, must adhere to strict security guidelines to avoid fines, legal consequences, and reputational damage. Failing to meet compliance standards can result in hefty penalties - for example, GDPR violations have led to fines exceeding $1.25 billion globally since 2023.

Risk mitigation:

• Stay updated with industry-specific security regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2.
• Regularly conduct security audits to identify vulnerabilities before they become compliance risks.
• Leverage workplace security platforms that provide real-time analytics and reports to maintain compliance documentation.

By prioritizing workplace security across physical access, cybersecurity, and compliance, businesses can mitigate risks, protect employees, and ensure a safe, productive work environment.

Tools for keeping your office and workplace safe

Security is about having the right office technology in place to protect employees, data, and physical assets. From access control systems to emergency response tools, the right security solutions create a safe and productive workplace.

Access control and badging technology

Controlling who enters and exits office spaces is a critical first line of defense. Modern access control systems provide real-time visibility into office occupancy and ensure that only authorized personnel can access specific areas.

Examples of access control solutions:

• Kisi – A cloud-based mobile access control system that allows businesses to manage entry permissions remotely.
• HID Global – Offers biometric authentication, RFID keycards, and mobile access solutions for enhanced security.
• Openpath – Provides touchless mobile access, integrating with workplace security platforms for seamless entry management.

Sensors and alarms

Sensors help detect unauthorized access, motion, or unusual activity within the office. Alarm systems notify security teams immediately when threats arise, ensuring rapid response to break-ins, fires, or other emergencies.

Examples of workplace security sensors and alarms:

• ADT Commercial Security – Provides intrusion detection, motion sensors, and alarm monitoring tailored for offices.
• Verkada – Offers cloud-based security cameras and environmental sensors to track air quality, occupancy, and motion.
• Bosch Security Systems – Features smart alarm systems that integrate with access control and video surveillance.

Visitor management systems

Managing visitors is essential for workplace security. A visitor management system (VMS) ensures that every guest is pre-screened, logged, and approved before entering the premises, reducing security risks.

Managing workplace security across multiple locations can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be.

Additional visitor management tools:

• Envoy – Automates visitor check-ins, badge printing, and host notifications.
• iLobby – Provides enterprise-grade visitor tracking with ID scanning and security alerts.
• SwipedOn – A simple visitor registration system with touchless check-in features.

Surveillance cameras

Security cameras deter threats and provide real-time monitoring of office spaces. Advanced AI-powered surveillance can detect suspicious activity and send alerts to security teams.

Examples of office surveillance solutions:

• Arlo Pro 4 – Wireless security cameras with night vision and motion detection for small offices.
• Avigilon – AI-powered security cameras with facial recognition and threat detection.
• Ring for Business – Affordable security cameras and smart locks for office spaces.

Emergency and evacuation plans

Being prepared for emergencies—whether it’s a fire, a security breach, or a natural disaster—can save lives. Having an emergency response system in place ensures swift communication and coordinated evacuations.

Examples of emergency management tools:

• Rave Mobile Safety – Mass notification and emergency alert software for real-time crisis communication.
• Everbridge – Emergency response software that automates critical communications during crises.
• AlertMedia – A cloud-based emergency notification system that enables businesses to quickly alert employees.

Prioritizing workplace security for 2025

As offices continue to evolve, security must remain a top priority. Whether protecting employees, safeguarding sensitive data, or ensuring compliance, businesses must adopt proactive security measures to stay ahead of modern threats.

With solutions like Gable’s workspace management platform, companies can ensure secure access to flexible workspaces, manage visitor entry, and implement robust workplace security protocols—empowering businesses to operate with confidence in a hybrid work era.