RISKY BUSINESS

WORKING remotely or catching up for work drinks may be putting your business at more risk than you think.

Global workplace provider Regus has released new research that reveals Australian workers are putting business privacy at risk when working outside of the office.

The survey canvassed in excess of 22,000 respondents in more than 100 countries to find that the privacy of documents and conversations are most at danger in cafes.

67 per cent nominated cafes as being the riskiest locations, followed by 54 per cent nominating on board flights and 50 per cent nominating airport business lounges.

CEO of Regus Australia and New Zealand Paul Migliorini says it’s increasingly important for workers to be aware of the implications of this considering the International Data Corporation (IDC) predicts that more than 1.3 billion people will be flexible workers by the end of next year.

“At Regus, we are seeing an increasing number of businesses utilise our drop-in meeting services and private spaces at over 60 locations across Australia,” says Migliorini.

“However, we are often putting our business’s interests at risk by having to conduct that call in a busy café, or crunching those numbers on a packed flight.”

While some situations are unavoidable, Migliorini offers advice on how to mitigate the risk.

“For smart companies, providing a mix of physical and technological resources is essential to safeguard information.

“From virtual desktops to private meeting rooms, there are smart ways to protect yourself.”