When it comes to providing security for your clients, employees and physical assets, you have two basic options. You could choose proprietary security, which means that you'll recruit and oversee your own security officers, or you could select contract security, letting an outside company provide your workplace with guards. This decision isn't always easy, as outsourcing offers distinct advantages and only a few drawbacks. Save Time, Lower Stress Above all, outsourcing security frees up plenty of time, allowing you to focus on other pressing business matters. For instance, you won't need to advertise open security positions or interview applicants. In contrast, hiring the right security professionals can often be a laborious process. You have to examine each applicant's level of training, criminal background, work history, references and more. On top of that, the security company will handle your guards' uniforms, salaries, work schedules, vacation time and so on. Plus, if an officer is out sick or quits suddenly, you won't need to find a temporary replacement. |
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Reduce Your Expenses It's likely that you'll save money with outsourced security guards. That's because you won't have to insure them or supply them with benefits, and you won't be liable for their mistakes or misdeeds. The security organization will also purchase and maintain all the tools of their trade, including vehicles. You can also benefit from the security company's expertise. That is, its staff members can advise you as far as how many officers you'll require, where you should station them and what kind of guard tour system they should employ. Hiring a security consultant, on the other hand, could be pricey. Third Parties Can Be Tricky When you outsource your security, you do give up some degree of control. For instance, you won't necessarily be able to set your own rules about matters like your guards' uniforms, tattoos, facial hair or tardiness. In addition, if you have a problem with a certain officer's behavior, language or attitude, you'll probably need to register that complaint with the security company's managers and let them deal with it. However, you might prefer to confront the individual directly. And it may not be possible to have a certain guard replaced unless you can prove that he or she violated the security company's regulations. Similarly, if one of your employees gets into a disagreement with an outside security professional, you may need to confer with the security company for guidance, which can be time-consuming. Will Your Officers Feel Like Outsiders? If your security guards don't work for your company, they'll probably feel less loyalty to it. Maybe they won't view your employees as their colleagues, and perhaps they'll feel like they're just visiting your place of business. There's even a chance that some of them won't do the very best job that they're capable of every day. Furthermore, with contract security, you'll probably have to sign a contract (hence the name) before your officers begin working. Thus, if you discover that your security is lackluster, you could be forced to stick with it ? or at least keep paying for it ? until the contract expires. Doing Your Security Homework In the end, research is the key to security success. If you're hiring these professionals yourself, you'll want to carefully explore industry-specific recruitment techniques and screening methods. If you choose to outsource, you'll do well to study security organizations thoroughly. That way, you can find one with outstanding customer ratings and a low rate of turnover. With some research, you're bound to enjoy a safe place of business, and you'll probably look forward to greeting your security guards each morning. |
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