Security guards have a tough job. They are required to remain alert at all times, monitor their surroundings, and take note of any suspicious activity. They then have to escalate any unusual behaviour or activity they observe and report it to a supervisor. Security guards need to be sharp observers, quick thinkers, and capable of making split-second decisions in order to effectively perform their duties.
However, this is not an easy job as there are several challenges that security guards face every day while on duty. Security guards work long shifts alone, so they must remain focused the entire time they’re on the clock. They might get bored or feel anxious from time to time but with the right strategies, the challenges can be overcome.
The year 2020 will be recognized as one of the world’s most troublesome periods of all time. In 2020, the actual security area had highs and lows similar to each and every other industry. By and large, both the conventional security industry and corporate security groups confronted their reasonable portion of challenges.
As security activities of numerous types changed their tasks for 2020 and then some, customary safety officer organizations — those that proposition administrations to associations for insurance and danger prevention — confronted specific normal issues with individuals, cycles, and innovation.
Professionals in corporate security confronted difficulties that were both unique and common to other firms. Chief Security Officers (CSOs), who are in charge of implementing a comprehensive security program for their firms that is heavily based on enterprise security risk management (ESRM), oversee corporate security teams. They oversee everything from facilities to data centres to factory floors.
4 Major Challenges Faced by Security Guards are as follows:
1. Lack of Communication with Co-workers and Supervisors
One of the biggest challenges of being a security guard is the lack of communication with both co-workers and supervisors. Communication is crucial in any workplace, but security guards often work alone, without the benefit of any communication with their colleagues. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can affect the overall quality of the job.
This lack of communication may also make it difficult to report any safety concerns or any other issues that arise while on the job. If a security guard has a question or concern about anything but has no one to speak to, they can become stressed and anxious as they try to deal with the issue on their own.
2. Physical Demands of the Job
Another challenge of being a security guard is the physical demands of the job. Security guards are required to stand for long periods of time, walk long distances, and may have to lift or move heavy objects from time to time. There have been several reports of security guards suffering from back, knee, and foot pain caused by the physical demands of the job.
Back pain is a common ailment among security guards, with anywhere between 20% to 50% of security guards experiencing back pain at some point during their careers. If you have any pre-existing conditions, such as a knee or back injury, working as a security guard may not be the best career choice.
You may not be able to meet the physical demands of the job, which can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction. On the other hand, if you are physically fit and can meet the physical demands of the job, you can greatly enjoy this career.
3. Constant Awareness and Constant Vigilance
While on the job, security guards need to be constantly vigilant and aware of their surroundings. They need to be aware of what’s happening in the environment around them (such as pedestrians, vehicles, activity in nearby buildings, etc.), and they need to remain alert and focused at all times. To remain constantly aware, security guards need to be in a heightened state of vigilance.
Constant vigilance and awareness can be mentally taxing and can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. If a security guard works at a busy location, such as a shopping centre, the constant flow of people and things around them can be exhausting.
You Can Also Read: Top 3 Advantages Of Choosing A Shared Office Space In Hyderabad
4. Security Guards Are Often the First Line of Defence
Another challenge of being a security guard is that security guards are often the first line of defence in certain situations. For example, in an active shooter situation, security guards are usually the first to respond. They are expected to try and stop the shooter, keep others safe, and protect their company’s assets.
This puts security guards at great risk of injury or even death. To avoid injury, a security guard needs to be prepared to confront a potentially dangerous situation. This often means being armed with a gun or some other form of lethal force. This means that being a security guard can be a very dangerous job.
Conclusion
Working as a security guard is a challenging career. Potential security guards need to be aware of the challenges of this job and have a plan for overcoming them. These challenges can include a lack of communication with co-workers, constant awareness, and constant vigilance. Security guards also often have to deal with the risk of becoming bored and the threat of becoming injured by an active shooter. With the right strategies, these challenges can be overcome, and a rewarding career as a security guard can be attained
