Now is as good a time as any to undertake these important “good business housekeeping” activities.
- Change your passwords.
Create new passwords on critical or sensitive applications/accounts/systems. Passwords provide the first line of defence against unauthorised access to your business. The stronger your passwords, the more protected your business will be from malicious software and the like. Microsoft recommends:
- Using at least 8 characters
- Avoid using your name or company name
- Avoid using complete words
- Using a combination of upper case and lower case letters, numbers and symbols
- Health and safety check
YOU are undoubtedly your business’ most valuable asset. It is important to minimise the risk of illness or injury and to create a work environment conducive to wellness, productivity and job satisfaction. Do a health and safety check of your office or work space, considering such things as:
- Is the floor space free from tripping hazards?
- Is electrical equipment protected by a circuit breaker?
- Are there adequate power outlets (i.e. no overloaded powerboards)?
- Is there a functioning smoke detector?
- Is the workspace/desk size adequate for the tasks to be performed?
- Do you have an adjustable chair, with adequate lumbar support and padding?
- Is the computer screen approximately arms length from the user?
- Is the screen height approximately 400mm above the work surface?
- Is a full size keyboard being used?
- Is there adequate lighting for the tasks being performed?
And then clean and disinfect your keyboard, mouse, printer and other equipment.
- Emergency Access
The inability to access your online profiles or accounts can create all sorts of problems for your business if you become incapacitated due to illness or injury. Leave some instructions with a trusted person on how to access your email accounts and social media profiles. Provide them with a list of all your digital accounts, usernames and passwords, and the passwords for accessing devices including computer, mobile, iPad, etc. (However, your bank password and PIN remain sacrosanct and should never be divulged.) The end of the financial year is nigh. Use this milestone as a trigger to do your annual business housekeeping chores… and make a note in your diary to do it all again in June 2016.
