The Remote Work Document Security Crisis Your Business Is Ignoring

The Problem: Documents Scattered Across Employee Homes

The shift to remote and hybrid work has fundamentally changed how businesses operate. But while companies invested in VPNs, secure laptops, and cloud systems, most forgot about paper.

The Hidden Security Gap

Right now, across Perth, sensitive business documents are sitting in:

• Home office desks - contracts, reports, client information
• Kitchen tables - printed emails, meeting notes
• Spare bedrooms - archive boxes brought home "temporarily"
• Garage storage - old files that never returned to the office
• Household recycling bins - confidential documents mixed with junk mail

A recent survey found that 67% of remote workers have printed confidential documents at home. Only 12% have access to secure destruction.

The Risk Is Real

Consider the exposure:

• Domestic visitors can see documents lying around
• Children might use printed reports as scrap paper
• Household recycling is accessible to anyone
• Moving or renovating means documents get lost or exposed
• Employee departure leaves company data in private homes

When Remote Workers Leave

The problem intensifies when remote employees resign or are terminated. Without a physical office presence, how do you ensure all company documents are returned and properly destroyed?

The Solution: Remote Worker Document Security Program

Implement a Clear Policy

Document Printing Rules:

• Minimise printing of confidential documents
• Require immediate destruction after use
• No storage of company documents beyond current projects

Destruction Requirements:

• Personal shredders for regular remote workers
• Company-provided cross-cut shredders (not strip-cut)
• Quarterly collection of accumulated documents

WEST SHRED Remote Worker Solutions

Option 1: Home Collection Service

Our drivers collect documents directly from employee homes—discreetly and securely. Ideal for executives and staff handling highly sensitive materials.

Option 2: Central Drop-Off

Employees bring accumulated documents to a central location (office, co-working space) for scheduled destruction.

Option 3: Provided Shredders with Guidelines

We supply quality cross-cut shredders to remote workers, with training on proper destruction and a buyback program when employees leave.

Exit Procedure for Remote Staff

When remote workers depart: 1. Require document inventory before final day 2. Schedule home collection or drop-off 3. Obtain signed confirmation of document return/destruction 4. Include in exit checklist and final clearance

Don't let remote work become your biggest security vulnerability.