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Quality security providers see great value in employee engagement. Not only is it the right thing to do, but better engaged security officers provide better service. Should engagement efforts end there? Or, does the organization contracting the services play a role?
In my experience, the most successful engagement programs involve efforts by the security provider and their client. Leading security programs are based on a partnership that fully integrates security teams. This includes everything from committee participation to communication. While the security provider leads the engagement process, the client or end user should participate as well.
These often heard responses present an opportunity to challenge the status quo:
I Need to Focus on My Own Business
There is no doubt that you’re very busy, but imagine if a security contractor could help enhance your company’s brand. Security officers may not be your employees, but they represent you. For most leaders, that’s a large part of ‘focusing on your own business.’ Whether that includes a customer-oriented environment, the perception of safety and security, or both, security officers play an essential role. Their engagement leads to a vested interest in your success.
That is the Contractor’s Job
Establishing the vision for your security program means understanding the importance of choosing a partner that provides value and aligns with your established direction. This requires an accountable contractor with engaged employees at every level. However, contractors know that their most involved teams are located at sites with an established and engaging culture.
What Can You Do to Help?
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Speak with the security officers: We all want to be known, understood and appreciated. A daily greeting or quick conversation will go a long way toward continued engagement.
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Remind them of their value: We also need to be reminded of our value. You can help by connecting the team’s everyday work to the lives they are impacting.
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Make measurements visible: What key performance indicators do you use for security? Occasionally, share some data with the security officers. Visualizing their contribution adds to engagement.
If you are considering a change in your security program, access our Guide to Contracting Security.
About the Author
Brent O'Bryan is the Vice President, Training and Development for Allied Universal and leads a learning community of more than 100 training professionals across the country.
