Businesses are constantly managing an influx of sensitive information, both in physical and digital formats. Ensuring the security and proper disposal of these documents is critical to protecting against data breaches and maintaining compliance with privacy laws. One strategy that some companies consider is the “Shred Everything” policy. But is this approach right for your business? Citizens Business Archives is here to discuss the pros and cons.
Understanding the “Shred Everything” Policy
A “Shred Everything” policy is exactly what it sounds like: all paper documents, regardless of their content, are shredded when they are no longer needed. This policy simplifies the document destruction process by eliminating the need to determine the sensitivity of each document. Instead, everything is shredded, ensuring that no sensitive information is accidentally overlooked and improperly disposed of.
The Advantages: Simplified Compliance
One of the most significant advantages of a “Shred Everything” policy is its simplicity. Businesses must comply with various data protection regulations which mandate the secure disposal of sensitive information. By shredding all documents, businesses can ensure they are not inadvertently violating these regulations. This blanket approach minimizes the risk of human error and ensures that all potentially sensitive documents are destroyed.
You May Enhance Your Document Security
Security is a primary concern for any business handling sensitive information. A “Shred Everything” policy eliminates the need to sift through documents to determine what is and isn’t sensitive. This reduces the risk of mistakenly retaining or improperly disposing of confidential information. Shredding everything ensures that no sensitive information can be accessed by unauthorized individuals. For secure shredding services, look to Citizens Business Archives.
It Might Help Improve Operational Efficiency
With this policy, employees no longer need to spend time assessing each document’s content to decide if it should be shredded. This can lead to significant time savings, allowing staff to focus on more critical tasks. Additionally, having a clear, straightforward policy reduces confusion and ensures consistent document handling practices.
You Will Experience Reduced Storage Costs
Physical document storage can be costly, especially for businesses that generate a large volume of paper records. By shredding documents regularly with Citizens Business Archives, companies can reduce the need for extensive storage space. This not only lowers storage costs but also reduces the potential liability associated with storing sensitive information.
The Cons: Loss of Non-Sensitive Information
One of the main criticisms of a “Shred Everything” policy is the potential loss of non-sensitive information that might still be useful. Not all documents contain sensitive data, and some may have ongoing value for business operations, historical records, or legal reasons.
You Will Experience Increased Shredding Costs
While shredding everything can simplify the disposal process, it can also increase the volume of documents that need to be shredded, leading to higher shredding costs. Businesses will need to weigh these costs against the benefits of enhanced security and compliance.
You May Run into Potential Compliance Issues
Ironically, a “Shred Everything” policy could potentially lead to compliance issues if it results in the destruction of records that are legally required to be retained for a certain period. Regulations often stipulate specific retention periods for different types of documents. Implementing a “Shred Everything” policy without regard for these requirements could inadvertently put a business at risk of non-compliance and legal penalties. Citizens Business Archives can help you store your documents securely to remain compliant.
How to Determine If the Policy Works for You
Begin by evaluating the types of documents your business handles and the sensitivity of the information contained within them. If your business deals with a high volume of sensitive information, such as financial records, personal data, or proprietary information, a “Shred Everything” policy may provide the security and compliance you need. However, if many of your documents are non-sensitive, a more selective approach may be more practical.
Take Into Consideration Your Regulatory Requirements
Review the regulatory requirements applicable to your business, particularly those related to document retention and destruction. Ensure that your document disposal policy aligns with these requirements.
Take Time to Evaluate Costs and Benefits
Weigh the costs of implementing a “Shred Everything” policy against the potential benefits. Consider factors such as shredding costs, storage savings, and the value of operational efficiency. Determine whether the increased security and simplified compliance justify the expense.
Whether You Decide to Shred Everything or Not, Citizens Business Archives Can Help
A “Shred Everything” policy offers significant benefits in terms of security, compliance, and operational efficiency. However, it also has potential drawbacks, including the loss of valuable information, increased shredding costs, and potential compliance issues. Ultimately, the decision to implement such a policy should be based on a thorough assessment of your business’s needs.
If you decide to shred or store, Citizens Business Archives can help. With secure document shredding services and safe document storage options, we can improve the security of your business. Contact us today to learn more.






