Security solutions have advanced significantly in recent years, with many companies adopting these measures to protect their sensitive data and maintain brand integrity. However, even the most sophisticated solutions can fail if employees do not actively participate and adopt them.
Last month, our marketing team attended the SJUK Leaders in Security Conference in Manchester, where industry experts shared insights on critical topics. One session, titled “Exploring the Relationship Between Security and the User Experience,” highlighted several key points that will be referenced throughout this article. At Avena, we recognise that employees are crucial to the effectiveness of any security solution, and this article delves into that essential aspect.
How Important is User Adoption in Security Solutions?
Usability significantly influences the adoption rates of security solutions, which are vital for their success. Complex or confusing solutions deter employees from using them effectively. No matter how advanced or proven a security solution is, it is ineffective if employees do not fully utilise it.
Poor usability and low adoption rates can lead to significant consequences, including increased human error, which can result in data breaches and subsequent financial, legal, and reputational damage for organisations.
What Strategies Increase Employee Adoption?
Motivating, educating, and engaging employees to use your solution effectively is key. This can be achieved by considering several important factors during the design, implementation, and integration of the security solution.
How does a User-Centric Design effect Integration?
Focusing on user experience (UX) and system integrability is crucial in creating an effective security solution. Erik Nord, an Industry Subject Matter Expert in Cloud Solutions, emphasised the importance of this focus:
“The other problem is the lacking in selecting a [security] solution and user experience. I mean both the UX design, how users can work with it, and how integrable the solution is. How easy is it to customise based on what you need, but also from a user standpoint.” – Erik Nord
At Avena, we prioritise creating security solutions that are secure, sustainable, user-friendly, and personalised. This ensures that employees find the solutions easy to interact with, seamlessly integrating into their workflow, ultimately driving higher adoption rates and increased engagement.
Why is it important to understand the Human Aspect?
Security solutions are often underutilised because they do not consider the human aspect and the organisational context in which they are implemented. Andrew Wootton, a Professor of Human-Centered Design Innovation, underscores this crucial point:
“What I would say is that… the importance of understanding the human aspect is only growing and to develop and implement any security solution you need to understand the problem and its operational context. To do this, understanding the human aspect is critical, and too often we see security solutions… fail to meet expectations because they’re not grounded in a rich understanding of end users and their operational context.” – Andrew Wootton
Avena’s solutions incorporate the human aspect across all stages of installation and implementation. We personalise and tailor our solutions to ensure they align with the daily workflows and requirements of the organisation and its users.
Why are Personalised Solutions more effective?
A major barrier to effective utilisation of security solutions is uneducated staff. Many employees do not understand the importance of adhering to GDPR laws and compliance, nor are they aware of the solutions in place. This confusion often stems from poor communication and a lack of transparency.
Gary Bergin, a Commercial Manager & Security Consultant, emphasises the need for transparency and effective communication in security solutions:
“You have to be completely transparent with your clients and you have to communicate very effectively. I think every plan has to be completely personalised to the individual to ensure that it fits [their needs] and does keep them safe.” – Gary Bergin
Countering this barrier can be achieved by providing personalised, comprehensive educational content for internal distribution which helps employees understand the security solutions, their necessity, and addresses any concerns they might have.
Avena personalises and optimises our solutions for each client. Alongside environmental reporting and impact statements supporting companies’ broader ESG and net-zero goals, our marketing team offer a variety of bespoke content that can be cascaded internally within your business, meeting any organisational need. This content can be as obvious or discrete as clients require, and designed to fit any space.
How can Avena Solve the Problem?
Avena’s security solutions are designed with secure and sustainable destruction at the forefront. Our solutions are user-centric and personalised for each client. By offering internal educational initiatives and optimising clients’ solutions, we help companies achieve their security and environmental goals. This enhances usability and employee adoption, ultimately strengthening organisational security and allowing Avena to continue securing the future.
Interesting in learning more about our services? Speak to one of our experts today.
Looking for a quick quote for secure destruction & recycling? Get a quote today.