New figures out today have revealed that six in ten office workers haven’t been given training on how to deal with the new GDPR regulations despite new rules coming in tomorrow (25th May 2018). Almost half of those polled also admit they don’t think all data in their organisation was secure yet.
Office product specialist Fellowes conducted the survey to better understand if businesses and employees were prepared for the looming GDPR deadline and finds there is still a huge lack of understanding on how to keep company data secure.
The poll of 1,250 workers, from across various industries, identified key problem areas in offices across the UK where sensitive information is at risk. It highlights that 44 per cent of respondents admit throwing important documents straight into the bin (as oppose to destroying). Another 37 per cent admit they have accidentally seen private emails and documents on their colleague’s screen in the office.
Part of the new GDPR criteria states that any company that processes or stores personal information relating to European citizens must comply with stringent new laws relating to data privacy and storage. This includes any personal data kept on file, whether physical or digital.
Sammy Bartley, a qualified GDPR practitioner for the office product industry says, ‘One thing is very clear; no organisation can afford to take risks with the personal data they hold and a robust data protection policy is crucial. Although this sounds daunting these regulations will protect consumers against companies that hold inaccurate and unneeded data about them, as well as ensuring greater emphasis is put on prominent and unambiguous customer consent with the ability to withdraw at any time.
‘It is important to start the preparation for GDPR as soon as possible – the new regulations mean you need an effective, documented and auditable process in place for the destruction of confidential information, including the secure shredding of obsolete sensitive paperwork.’
Fellowes, which commissioned the study, is celebrating 100 years in the office product industry. The company helps to protect companies with innovative office solutions including paper shredders, the first line of defence for data protection and PrivaScreen™ blackout privacy filters, which prevent prying eyes from reading screens. Bankers Boxes from Fellowes also ensure any documents that must be stored can be easily located if required.
