GDPR
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GDPR IS A WORKFLOW, NOT A BIN
F or many organisations, GDPR compliance still conjures up one very specific image: a shredder humming away in the corner of the office. And while shredding confidential paperwork is absolutely essential, it’s only one part of a much bigger picture. In reality, GDPR isn’t a single action carried out at the end of a document’s life. It’s a workflow that runs from the moment information is created to the moment it’s securely destroyed. Miss a step along the way, and even the best shredder in the
stored and why it’s being kept. Overflowing filing cabinets and “just in case” folders can quickly undermine this. Well- organised filing systems, labelled storage boxes and secure archive solutions don’t just improve efficiency – they help businesses demonstrate control and accountability over their information. MOVEMENT CREATES RISK Documents don’t always stay in one place. Whether files are being moved between departments, sent off-site, or taken home by hybrid workers, each transfer introduces new risk. Secure document wallets, tamper-evident envelopes and clear transport procedures help ensure information stays protected wherever work happens. SHREDDING: THE FINAL SAFEGUARD Only once documents have reached the genuine end of their lifecycle does shredding come into play. At this point, it’s non-negotiable. GDPR-compliant shredding ensures sensitive information can never be reconstructed, providing peace of mind and a clear audit trail. Desk-side shredders, centralised machines and home-office models all play a role, depending The key takeaway? Shredding isn’t the solution to GDPR – it’s the safety net . Real compliance comes from treating data protection as a continuous process, supported by the right workplace tools at every stage. By building GDPR into everyday workflows, organisations don’t just reduce risk – they create calmer, more organised and more professional working environments too. on how and where people work. A JOINED-UP APPROACH
world won’t undo the risk. IT STARTS AT CREATION
The GDPR journey begins the moment personal data is printed. HR records, contracts, customer details and financial documents are all vulnerable the second they exist on paper. Uncontrolled printing, forgotten trays and unnecessary duplicates can quickly turn into compliance headaches. Simple steps such as secure print release and sensible print management help ensure documents only reach the people who actually need them. DAY-TO-DAY HANDLING MATTERS
“MOST DATA BREACHES DON’T HAPPEN DURING DRAMATIC CYBER INCIDENTS – THEY HAPPEN DURING EVERYDAY ROUTINES”
Most data breaches don’t happen during dramatic cyber incidents – they happen during everyday routines. Papers left on desks, files stacked in meeting rooms, or confidential notes left visible on shared workstations all create unnecessary risk. Clear desk policies are far more effective when supported by practical tools: lockable drawers, tidy desktop organisers and accessible secure storage that make compliance easy rather than inconvenient. STORAGE ISN’T JUST ARCHIVING GDPR requires organisations to know where personal data is
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