Cybersecurity in Business Labor Relations: Protect HR and Union Data

Cybersecurity in business is critical in today’s connected world, yet a Gartner study reports that 55% of HR leaders say their current solutions aren’t meeting their current or future business needs. This is especially concerning when you consider that the number of data breaches that included employee data increased by more than 40% in 2023.

The financial consequences are significant. The average cost of a data breach globally in 2024 is $4.88 million — about $165 for every record.

Cybersecurity for HR professionals is front and center and you can no longer look at it as just an IT problem. Safeguarding union and employee data from breaches or loss requires a secure, uniform solution for case management files and documentation of all employee and union related communication.

Impact of Union and Employee Data Breaches

If employee data is exposed, employees may feel that management isn’t taking their privacy seriously, which can harm morale and trust. Repeated breaches could drive talented employees away and make it harder to retain top performers.

There are also legal and financial penalties. Fines and class action suits are expensive when it comes to HR and cybersecurity.

For union information, the consequence of a breach can also be devastating. Communications often involve sensitive matters. Internally, you might discuss negotiation strategies, union member details, and employee grievances. Breaches can expose this information to unauthorized parties — eroding any trust you’ve built up. This can cause serious problems during collective bargaining or negotiations.

Why Traditional Document Storage Falls Short

If you’re still saving files in folders and spreadsheets, you may not have adequate protection of your sensitive labor relations data. These systems often lack the cybersecurity protections you need. For example:

• A lack of data encryption
• Tools for tracking and monitoring access
• Ensuring data integrity
• Creating digital audit trails

The fact of the matter is that spreadsheets are a threat to HR employee data management.

Without the right HR tools, it can be difficult to identify unauthorized access or even know when a data breach has occurred.

Robust cybersecurity in business today demands a centralized, secure HR platform that reduces the risk of data breaches and streamlines the management of labor relations records. This has become increasingly important for companies with a dispersed workforce or those with remote or hybrid employees, creating significantly more threat vectors for potential attacks. While perimeter security for your networks is important, you also need application-specific cybersecurity to thwart threat actors who breach your perimeter.

Benefits of a Cybersecure Platform for Labor Relations Management

A cybersecure platform offers a centralized, encrypted repository for labor relations data, providing enhanced security for union communications, employee records, and case files.

LaborSoft encrypts data both at rest and in transit, ensuring that information remains protected from unauthorized access. By centralizing data storage, you can streamline access while safeguarding against risks. This approach also reduces the potential for data loss, as information is securely stored in a system specifically designed to protect against breaches.

Enhanced Access Control and Monitoring

Secure labor relations platforms provide detailed access control features that limit data access to authorized personnel only.

Role-based permissions allow administrators to control who can view, edit, or share sensitive information, which is crucial for maintaining privacy and security in labor relations. This level of control helps prevent internal threats and strengthens your overall cybersecurity posture.

Conversely, using antiquated systems, files, or spreadsheets increases your risk of threats and noncompliance with labor laws and regulations.

Integrated Case Management

LaborSoft streamlines labor relations management by consolidating case management, communications, and documentation in one secure location. This integration allows HR and labor relations teams to easily track case progress, access necessary documents, and document communications with union representatives, all while keeping data safe.

With a unified view of each case, you can make informed decisions and respond quickly to union requests or employee grievances. This integrated approach enhances data security and improves efficiency in managing labor relations issues.

Minimize Risks and Improve Cybersecurity in Business

LaborSoft minimizes your risk by streamlining HR case management with the peace of mind that employee information is protected, and your company’s privacy is maintained. You can also reduce human errors and streamline operations — saving you time.

See how businesses are protecting data and improving employee grievance management and labor compliance. Contact LaborSoft today.