The need for befitting security personnel in the post-Covid world

Security operatives providing vital services in the UK across public residential and commercial facilities is a familiar sight. Over a short period, approximately the last two years, COVID-19 has affected our behaviour and business patterns around the world. The way we travel, interact socially, work, and shop is not how it was before the pandemic. Consequently, the demands and roles of licenced and trained security operatives have also experienced a significant shift.  

Expected duties of a Security operative

Security guards perform several tasks daily. These tasks require the security operative to have undergone training which grants them a licence to carry out their duties. Typically, security operatives are responsible for:

• Carrying out surveillance of premises 
• Monitoring sites through CCTV and, or regular patrolling 
• Monitoring and managing site access for authorised staff and visitors 
• Alerting emergency services in case of emergency scenarios. 
• Monitoring crowded areas and maintaining a record of activities 
• Alerting authorities of suspicious activities/personnel.

Above mentioned duties and responsibilities of a security guard are no less than working on the front line. Security personnel are adapting to changes according to circumstances. They apply befitting safety measures to ensure peace at their sites. Security personnel are also responsible for documenting daily activities. To exercise their duties efficiently, they need to remain professional and approachable to their employers and the general public. 

Covid-19 has rendered significant changes to social behaviours and interactions. As a result, the security industry has suggested new measures to ensure the safety of communities and their people. The role of security operatives may now include: 

• Ensuring safe physical distancing in public spaces
• Limiting the number of visitors at venues, as necessary
• Managing the flow of crowds and traffic
• Familiarising the general public with revisions in safety standards. 
• Remaining on-call on rotating schedules after business hours. 
• Available to every call to secure premises on a rotating basis while the business is closed
• Monitoring vehicle parking areas, and public parks
• Taking temperatures of visitors and checking their Covid vaccination status.  

Some of these duties were already part of security personnel's role; however, after Covid, the demand for additional responsibilities has increased. In addition to securing premises, security officers are now expected to ensure everyone follows new health protocols and safety measures to prevent covid-19.

Abilities expected from security personnel in the post-Covid world

For companies, the security of their assets and premises is always the top priority. If the company is secured and has door supervisors monitoring visitors, employees and visitors feel safe at the premises. The presence of professional security personnel certainly offers peace of mind for the visitors. With this comfort, people are willing to spend more time at the establishment and may even purchase more products and services from the business. 

The business landscape is dynamic. New challenges warrant swift befitting responses to ensure profitability. Security staff need to keep up with the pace through training to continue providing their services efficiently. Besides skills, security officers in this post-Covid world are also expected to have refined abilities, particularly:

• Ability to make quick decisions.
• To remain calm while interacting with people in panic. 
• Excellent people skills; ability to assert without being harsh. 
• Projecting trust, confidence, resolve and professionalism. 
• Good situational awareness and ability to document observations. 

Growth of security industry beyond Covid

After Covid-19, the dynamic of every business has changed. An increase in workload has made the demand higher for security staff. Crowds and queues need strict monitoring to prevent the risk of Covid's spread. Moreover, security threats have also increased as previously crowded spaces may not be as occupied now. The changes in social behaviours, interactions, and business operations in this post-Covid world require well trained, capable and professional security operatives. EarnFlex can assist you in your search for such personnel.

A next-generation flexible staffing platform, EarnFlex provides companies with unrivalled control over sourcing, engaging and managing qualified, flexible workers. Through EarnFlex, businesses in the UK have 24/7 access to thousands of SIA licenced, BS7858 vetted professional security operatives. Using our industry-leading AI-based technology businesses can have peace of mind, and assured of quality work delivered on time. Contact EarnFlex.com today to discuss how we can assist you.