Home Safety in the Era of Hybrid Living - Practical Security Measures

In an interaction with Homes India magazine, Pushkar Gokhale, Business Head – Security Solutions at Godrej Enterprises Group, shares sharp insights on how tech-enabled home access solutions are helping families stay secure and adaptable in today’s hybrid living era.

There is a quiet uneasiness that many families are going through. You lock the door, step out, and a few minutes later, the doubts begin to surface. Was everything secured properly? Is the house safe while no one is around? In today’s world of hybrid living, these concerns have become a part of everyday life.

Homes are no longer occupied on predictable schedules. Both Husband -n-Wife working, workdays split between office and home, more frequent travel, and families often leaving their homes unattended for extended periods during official tours, holidays, festivals, or school breaks. This shift has fundamentally changed how we must approach home security. Security can no longer be passive or based on habit alone. It needs to be responsive, connected, and reliable.

Reassessing everyday entry points

One of the first measures families can take is to reassess how their homes are accessed. The main door, secondary entrances, balconies, and ground-level windows should all be treated as potential access points. Installing smart video door phones to attend to visitors even when you are away may seem basic, but it forms the foundation of home safety.

Installing a video door phone allows families to visually verify visitors and communicate without opening the door. This becomes particularly useful when homes are unoccupied or when elderly family members are alone during the day. Being able to monitor access remotely adds a layer of control over and above the traditional locks. 

Home safety in the era of hybrid living is about preparing thoughtfully rather than worrying constantly.

Use technology to stay connected to your home

Smart security tools allow families to remain aware of what is happening at home even when they are away. Wi-Fi cameras and motion sensors can be placed in key areas such as living rooms, bedrooms, corridors, and common spaces. These devices send alerts when unexpected movement is detected, helping homeowners respond quickly rather than discovering an issue after returning.

Also Read: 5 Underrated Smart Home Devices Indians Are Missing

For families that travel often, remote monitoring provides reassurance that the home is secure without constant manual checks.

Store valuables with intention

Another important measure is rethinking how valuables are stored. Jewellery, documents, and personal keepsakes should not be kept in predictable or easily accessible locations. Dedicated home safes installed at multiple locations ensure the distribution of valuables, result in stronger protection, and reduce the risk of loss during a break-in.

Fire-resistant storage for important documents such as passports, property or deed documents, and insurance records adds protection against loss of documents, which are extremely difficult to generate again. 

Create the appearance of an occupied home

Homes that appear empty for long periods are more vulnerable. Families can take simple steps such as arranging for newspapers and deliveries to be collected, using automated lighting, and asking trusted neighbours or building staff to keep an eye on the premises during travel.

Avoiding visible indicators of absence helps reduce unwanted attention and strengthens overall security.

Build safety through daily habits

Technology is most effective when supported by mindful behaviour. Limiting conversations about valuables with outsiders, maintaining clear protocols with domestic help, and ensuring doors and windows are checked before leaving should become part of routine practice.

When every family member understands and follows these habits, security becomes a shared responsibility rather than an individual concern.

Also Read: 5 Sensational Smart Home Appliances to Smarten Up Your Home

Living freely, with peace of mind

Home safety in the era of hybrid living is about preparing thoughtfully rather than worrying constantly. By combining smart measures, connected technology, and everyday awareness, families can protect their homes while enjoying the flexibility that modern life offers.

True peace of mind comes from knowing that your home remains secure, attentive, and cared for, even when you are not there.