With an estimated 20 million private security workers employed globally — outnumbering the police force in most countries — today’s security workforce is thriving. New remote monitoring and automation technologies are changing the way security organizations work, and the new generation of technology-savvy employees are embracing the changes.
Security officers no longer simply act as “watch guards” — their responsibilities are shifting and as security companies adjust to what makes the next generation of security officers tick, they will find greater success in their efforts to recruit and retain the best talent. In my work providing security services, being part of corporate security teams and consulting with security organizations globally, here are some strategies I’ve identified as being most effective in building an efficient and committed workforce:
- Make “smart” technology choices. Now that mobile devices are an integral part of everyday life, organizations that rely on manual processes will quickly lose the interest of their employees. Think out of the box for opportunities to help your staff work more intelligently. For example, consider turning officers’ smartphones or tablets into electronic assistants, using software that provides detailed patrol data, real-time GPS tracking and easy access to information they need to make good decisions on the fly. Cloud software, cameras, biometric access control systems and robots are all part of the future guarding arsenal and should be part of ultimate plans for integration into an overall workforce management platform. These kinds of capabilities ensure officers are engaged in duties, receive actionable information in real time, and can focus their talent and efforts where they’re needed most.
- Build on personal preferences. Employment satisfaction levels will increase when officers feel respected and their best skills are utilized. Part of this process is demonstrating you care about when and where they prefer to work and are taking the time to understand what types of security tasks suit them best. Automated scheduling technology is designed to make it easier to manage schedules, and business intelligence can also be used to review trends and determine optimal staff placement. The more you tailor the schedule to match employee preferences, the more driven officers will be to work their best.
- Provide training and growth opportunities. There was a time when the qualifications required to be a security guard were low or non-existent. Now, there’s a new caliber of security professional, who is highly trained and qualified, and expects to see a clear career growth path ahead of them. They want to know that their employer will provide training on how to use the latest technologies and will support ongoing education through partnerships and/or training subsidies aligned with external institutions and licensing bodies.
- Ensure a team connection. The lone worker is a reality of any security workforce, but that doesn’t mean your employees should ever feel alone. Keep them in constant interaction with operations via an integrated workforce management platform that facilitates communication between, and supervising of, employees at remote sites at all times, making it possible to confirm guard status, act and react to locations where issues arise, and provide immediate emergency assistance in the event of an incident. Additional ways to build a team atmosphere include monthly company-wide lunches or internal online forums that encourage employee engagement in sharing suggestions and asking questions.
- Reward excellent work. Employee incentive programs are a great way to keep your staff motivated. Consider implementing a “Security Officer of the Month” reward as a way to acknowledge members of your team who go above and beyond the call of duty, or contribute to the overall efficiency of your operation. Company perks such as memberships to health and fitness clubs or free parking also go a long way towards enhancing employee morale.
If you deliver the culture, tools and technology expected by up-and-coming security officers, your security organization will reap the benefits. The reward is a highly motivated and engaged workforce, which will translate into unprecedented levels of efficiency for your organization. In these changing times, that’s a definite competitive edge.
About the Author:
Mark Folmer, CPP, MSyI, is Vice-President, Security Industry of Montreal-based TrackTik Software Inc., which provides mobile and web-based workforce management solutions for security experts. He was also recently named to IFSEC’s Global Influencers list for 2018.
