Politeness at work increases risk of unauthorised access, warns expert

ID Card Centre has warned that being polite in the workplace could put UK businesses at risk from unauthorised access. 

The reminder comes ahead of World Day for Safety and Health at Work, with workplace safety now a growing concern beyond health and safety managers. 

Google searches for ‘workplace safety’ rose 22% in the last quarter to 670,000 last month.

Data revealed that many UK businesses have found it harder to keep security tight since hybrid working and changing office attendance became normal.

Ben O’Brien, managing director at ID Card Centre, said: “Most employees don’t think twice about holding a door open for someone, but in a workplace setting, that small act can have significant consequences. 

“Tailgating is one of the simplest ways for unauthorised individuals to bypass security measures, potentially leading to theft, data breaches, or even risks to staff.

“Workplace safety is typically considered in terms of accidents or cyber threats, but physical access is often the weakest link.”

O’Brien added: “Tailgating works because it relies on social pressure, people don’t want to seem rude or unhelpful, so they hold the door open without thinking twice.