Why You Need Document Destruction and How to Prepare for It

For any business — regardless of the industry — the safe destruction of company papers is vital. Financial papers can be used for fraud. Customer and client information could be used for identity theft. And company secrets could be used by corporate rivals to get a leg-up.

In any instance, public perception and confidence in the company will be tarnished, and you may be left open to troubling legal ramifications.

That’s why many businesses choose to hire document destruction services over destroying sensitive papers themselves in-house. Besides, asking a team member to destroy papers can be costly, time-consuming and insecure. 

Not only are shredding technicians trained professionals, handling masses of confidential papers daily with speed and precision, but the shredders they use are far superior to those you’d pick up from a big-box store — guaranteeing thoroughly shredded papers for optimum security.

Frequency Options

Most document destruction companies offer a one-time shredding option where they travel to the office itself to destroy a year (or several years) worth of papers in one go. This is ideal following a spring cleaning, or if the office is moving locations.

Another option is a regularly scheduled service. Here, shredding services like Absolute Destruction provide security consoles and locked bins so that employees can dispose of sensitive papers throughout the day. At regular, pre-arranged intervals, shredding service technicians will empty the vessels and securely destroy papers, leaving the bins until the following collection.

How to Prepare for Document Destruction

As with most situations in life, preparing in advance will guarantee a smooth and successful transaction.

• In instances of one-time document destruction, pull together the paperwork you’d like destroyed so that you have an accurate idea of the volume and an approximate weight. This will allow your shredding company to ascertain the scope of the job and provide an accurate quote.
• Organize for more than one team member to sort through papers — potentially from different departments; multiple eyes ensure nothing that shouldn’t be gets destroyed. They could work together or cast a separate eye later.
• Remove papers from ring binders, plastic sleeves, cardstock folders and duo-tangs.

• Take note of the office space and layout, making sure the papers are in a safe, secure, yet accessible, location in advance of pickup.
• Also, take note of the distance the shredding professionals will need to carry the papers to their truck — not only will these details help establish a cost, but it will make it easier for both the team and you on the day.

Following these steps, you’re now ready to connect with a document destruction company to organize a one-time service collection or to set up a standing appointment.

Additional Benefits to Document Destruction

In addition to the security benefits that come with document destruction, clearing your office of boxes or bags of paper will free up room and floor space, increasing workplace productivity — team members will more easily access the files that they need without having to wade through those they don’t. Further, a cluttered workspace has been shown to affect employees’ levels of stress and anxiety.

Take Away

Secure document destruction offers many perks. With a bit of planning, you’re setting yourself and your team up for a quick and efficient transaction.