Do you feel like your privacy is protected when you’re at work? It’s normal to not feel as though your work is a “safe space” when it comes to your privacy, but there are some levels of privacy that we should be able to expect even when we’re in the office (or “in the office” for remote workers out there).
If you’re worried about your privacy in the workplace, there are several things that you can do to protect it. Whether you’re working from home right now or you’re in a traditional office, you deserve to be protected.
Keep reading to learn several tips for more workplace privacy.
For the Remote Workplace
There are a few workplace privacy tips that are better suited to an online workplace rather than a physical one. That said, several of the ones that we’re going to list here also apply in a “real” workplace as long as you use computers or other devices.
For those who are working from home, here are a few ways that you can protect your digital workplace privacy.
Use Good Email Practices
How private and safe are your emails? Unless you’re using an encrypted email service (which most businesses do not), they’re not as safe as you think.
Sometimes this lack of safety is a result of user error, while other times, it’s a malicious attack. How can you do your best to prevent these things?
When it comes to user error, the problem will most often be in choosing the wrong recipient (or recipients). This often happens when you’re forwarding a message.
There are many amusing stories about people accidentally sending a message to everyone in the workplace instead of a specific recipient. Don’t let this happen to you.
Before you send your email, make sure that you re-read it and check all recipients twice. This may seem unnecessary, but you’ll be glad you did it.
When it comes to malicious attacks, never open questionable links in emails, even if you recognize the sender. These links could lead to viruses or fake websites (through a phishing attack).
When in doubt, email the sender back first to inquire about the link if they haven’t already explained what it was for.
Pay Attention to Zoom
More and more businesses are using Zoom or other video chat services to communicate with their employees. Is your Zoom call as private as you’d like it to be?
When you’re using Zoom, if you’re uncomfortable with showing your face or living space, ask if you’re able to use voice-only mode. While not all employers approve of this, it may help you feel more secure.
If you’re worried about people seeing your home or children in the background and you still want to show yourself on the video, use a background. This covers up what’s really behind you.
If you’re worried about professionalism with backgrounds, consider choosing a photo of a traditional office space as your background.
When you’re not meant to be Zooming, or you don’t want to be heard, make sure that all video and audio options are turned off during the call. This prevents any embarrassing mishaps as well as security problems.
Don’t Use Personal Devices
It’s a good idea to keep your personal devices, and your professional devices separate if you’re able to. This makes sense both for employers and employees.
As an employer, you want to make sure that any sensitive information is safe. If someone is using a personal device, they may leak information (on purpose or by accident). People’s personal devices are often more susceptible to viruses than their professional devices due to the lack of paid antivirus software.
As an employee, you want to keep your private files and your personal files separate. Don’t risk sending a personal file instead of a private one.
For the Physical Workplace
While the previous suggestions are helpful for physical workplaces, there are a few that make more sense here. Your privacy is just as important inside the office as outside of it. How can you keep yourself feeling safe when you’re at work?
Consider Physical Barriers
Many of us feel uncomfortable in open floorplans. When everyone has access to everyone else, it’s normal to feel exposed and like your personal space isn’t being protected.
It’s a good idea to make some kind of barrier between yourself and others. Even if it isn’t true privacy, a barrier may give you some peace of mind, so you’re able to work.
There are portable partitions and dividers that can help give you the space that you need.
Ask your employer if they’d be willing to install dividers in the workplace. It’s possible that many other employees have the same anxiety that you do.
If you work a customer-facing role, these dividers can also be soundproof, meaning that they don’t have to worry about revealing information to you in an open space. This is also great if you have to make personal phone calls or phone calls with customers.
Avoid Personal Conversations
It’s tempting to buddy up with your coworkers and talk about personal things when you’re not busy with work. Is this the best idea, though?
While making friends with your coworkers is great, it’s best to keep personal conversations at home or in private communication. While you may trust your coworker, you never know who else is listening.
Keep any personal details light and vague until you can talk in private.
Do You Have Privacy In the Workplace?
You deserve privacy in the workplace. Don’t let your private data or personal information get exposed. You can make sure that you keep your private information to yourself with these tips.
Keep yourself and your private life safe.
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Also published on Medium.
