10 Common Workplace Security Mistakes That Organisations Make
- Jul 13
- 4 min read
7 min read • July 2026 • By Kylie SaintClaire
Most workplace security incidents don't occur because organisations have no security—they occur because of common workplace security mistakes that gradually become part of everyday operations.
A door left open for convenience.
A visitor walking through without signing in.
An access card shared between colleagues.
Individually, these may seem insignificant, but together they create opportunities for theft, unauthorised access and other security incidents.
Understanding these common workplace security mistakes is one of the simplest ways organisations can strengthen their physical security and reduce risk.
Here are ten of the most common workplace security mistakes we see—and how organisations can reduce their risk.
1. Treating Security as Someone Else's Responsibility
One of the biggest misconceptions is that security is solely the responsibility of Security, Facilities or Management.
In reality, every employee plays an important role in maintaining a secure workplace.
Encouraging staff to remain aware, report concerns and challenge unusual behaviour appropriately helps create a stronger security culture.
Building a strong security culture requires more than policies and procedures. Regular communication, practical awareness campaigns and ongoing reminders help keep security front of mind and encourage staff to recognise and report potential security concerns.
2. Propping Open Secure Doors
It often starts with convenience.
Someone is carrying equipment.
Deliveries are arriving.
Staff don't want to keep using their access card.
Unfortunately, propped-open doors remove one of the most important physical security controls an organisation has.
3. Poor Visitor Management
Visitors should always know where they can and cannot go.
Without an effective visitor management process, organisations may lose visibility over who is inside their workplace.
Simple procedures can significantly reduce this risk.
4. Sharing Access Cards or Keys
Access cards and keys should never be treated as communal equipment.
Sharing credentials reduces accountability and makes investigations far more difficult if an incident occurs.
5. Assuming CCTV Will Solve Everything
CCTV is an important part of physical security, but it is only one layer of an effective security strategy.
Good workplace security combines people, procedures and physical measures rather than relying on cameras alone.
6. Ignoring Suspicious Behaviour
Many incidents are preceded by unusual behaviour that simply isn't reported.
Examples might include:
Someone attempting to access restricted areas
Individuals repeatedly visiting without a clear purpose
Unusual interest in security arrangements
If something doesn't feel right, it's worth reporting.
7. Poor Key and Access Control Management
Many organisations lose track of:
Keys
Swipe cards
Building codes
Without regular reviews, former staff or contractors may retain access longer than intended.
8. Forgetting About Security During Changes
Security often changes when organisations:
Relocate
Renovate
Expand
Introduce new technology
Reviewing your workplace security during these periods helps ensure physical security measures remain appropriate as your organisation evolves.
9. Not Reviewing Security Regularly
Security isn't something you complete once and forget.
As organisations evolve, so do their risks.
Regular reviews help identify new vulnerabilities before they become incidents.
10. Focusing Only on Technology
Technology is important—but it isn't the entire solution.
The strongest security programmes combine:
People
Procedures
Physical security
Technology
These layers work together to reduce risk.
What Do These Mistakes Have in Common?
Most organisations don't make these mistakes intentionally.
Many organisations are unaware that these issues exist until a workplace security assessment identifies them.
They develop gradually through routine behaviours, changing workplaces and competing priorities.
Fortunately, many can be addressed through practical improvements, increased awareness and regular security reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common workplace security mistake?
One of the most common workplace security mistakes is staff becoming complacent.
This can include:
Holding secure doors open for people they don't know.
Failing to restrict lift access using access cards where appropriate.
Not reporting suspicious behaviour or security concerns because they seem insignificant.
Small everyday behaviours like these can create opportunities for unauthorised access and other security incidents.
How often should workplace security be reviewed?
The frequency depends on your organisation's level of risk and how often your workplace changes. As a general guide, organisations should review their physical security every one to three years, or sooner if there are significant changes such as renovations, relocations, changes in operations, or following a security incident.
Does every business need a security risk assessment?
Every organisation should understand its security risks, regardless of its size. A security risk assessment helps identify vulnerabilities, evaluate existing security measures and prioritise practical improvements to better protect people, assets and information.
Can small businesses benefit from improving physical security?
Absolutely. Small businesses are often targeted because they may have fewer security controls than larger organisations.
Simple improvements—such as stronger access control, better visitor management and increased staff awareness—can significantly reduce the likelihood of theft, unauthorised access and other security incidents.
What is included in a security risk assessment?
A professional security risk assessment typically includes a review of your physical security measures, identification of key risks and vulnerabilities, and practical recommendations to help improve the security of your workplace. The scope will vary depending on the size, complexity and needs of the organisation.
Final Thoughts
The strongest organisations don't wait for a security incident before reviewing their workplace security.
Improving workplace security doesn't always require expensive technology or major infrastructure upgrades.
Often, the biggest improvements come from strengthening everyday practices, improving awareness and regularly reviewing existing security measures.
Identifying these issues early helps organisations reduce risk and make informed decisions about where to invest their security efforts.
Assess Your Workplace Security in 10 Minutes
Download the free Vorn Workplace Security Score™ to assess your organisation across five key areas of workplace security.
In less than 10 minutes, you'll gain an indication of your current security maturity and identify practical opportunities for improvement.
Continue Learning
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