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The importance of shredding when working from home
W
hile thousands of UK workers have
Good GDPR compliance is not only about processing data
spent the last two months adjusting to
securely, but also being able to evidence this. Managers must
working remotely, there is an ongoing
ensure they have considered this in relation to their staff who
issue because not everybody has the
are working from home in an environment that’s beyond their
right infrastructure in place to ensure
control; they need to supply information on policies relating to
their working environments are fully
data protection, as well as any equipment their people might
compliant. For businesses, it’s a necessity to keep up with,
need. Unfortunately, according to a 2020 HRZone report, one
and implement, the latest regulations within that environment;
of the biggest complaints from home workers is that they lack
for individuals, now scattered and having more responsibility
proper equipment; the onus is on their employers to make sure
over their roles than ever before, education on how they can
this isn’t the case.
still adhere to the law is needed. Their priorities’ lists are
One of the biggest hurdles when it comes to a lack of
probably topped by keeping organised and finding space for
equipment is the ability to destroy paper documents. IT-based
themselves within the home to concentrate, rather than the
security is relatively easy to implement, and can be regulated
legal minutia of their role.
remotely, but the only way to securely, and legally, destroy data
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came
is by shredding it. It’s highly recommended that any documents
into force in May 2018 and tightened data security in a way
removed from a workplace and taken to an individual’s home
that was impossible to ignore – especially since the potential
is shredded once its usefulness is ended. The same goes for
fines for non-compliance would have a serious impact on any
confidential documents printed at home, or those which have
organisation. The regulation affects all businesses, but some
reached the end of their life cycle.
more than others – especially legal, accountancy and any
As a result, managers must make sure their staff have
finance sector. Anybody who handles sensitive information
equipment which can effectively slice through documents at
needs to be aware of the legal implications of not doing so
the correct security level for the company’s needs. Both Rexel
safely and, when a team is working from home, it becomes
and Leitz offer quiet, compact shredders which can fit smartly
even more difficult to regulate.
into the required environment, meaning there is something for every role within the team, and every security level. The responsibility for ensuring that all data is handled,
Some important tips for GDPR compliance when working from home include:
protected and disposed of in the correct way lies with both management and employees; it is everybody’s duty to create, and carry out, the strongest possible GDPR protection within the home office environment.
• Only access information that you need to access. • Limit the devices used to access that information.
Want help choosing the right shredder? Try Rexel’s online
• Implement strong passwords on all devices and
buying guide: www.rexeleurope.com/en-gb/buying-guides/
cloud networks.
paper-shredder-buying-guide
• Invest in an SME GDPR toolkit; this contains resources on how to remain compliant on an
Or the buying guide from Leitz: www.leitz.com/en-gb/
individual level. ICO.org.uk offers great resources
design--concepts/iq-paper-shredders/paper-shredder-
for companies of any size.
buying-guide/
• Ensure you’re up-to-date with the business’s data protection policy. • Consult your data protection officer, if your organisation has one.
