Valuing staff and investing in them properly swiftly pays for itself: Ian Crawford
With increasing pressure to deliver more with less, many businesses focus on investment in systems, technology and short-term efficiencies.
But in doing so, they risk overlooking the most important driver of success - their people.
At the heart of every business are its people. That’s why, investing in your team isn’t just good practice, it’s essential.
Investing in people is investing in performance. It goes beyond filling roles or meeting targets; it’s about making sure people feel supported, valued and confident in what they do, so that they can perform at their best.
In the security industry, this matters more than most because the reality is, we are behind. Security professionals are faced with challenging, high-pressure situations every day, including conflict and aggression, yet the level of support in many businesses simply doesn’t keep pace with the demands of the role.
Research from the University of Portsmouth found that almost 40 per cent of UK frontline security professionals show symptoms of PTSD, while many also experience regular verbal abuse, threats and even physical assault as part of their job.
That’s not just a statistic, it’s a reflection of an industry that, for too long, has expected resilience without always providing the support to build it. I believe that has to change.
When employees are given the right training, guidance and support, it shows. They feel more confident in their decisions, more capable in their roles and more willing to take pride in their work. That doesn’t just benefit the individual, it strengthens the team and the service businesses deliver day in, day out.
I see training as an ongoing investment, not a one-off exercise. That means actively supporting people to upskill through training courses, professional development opportunities or new qualifications.
By covering the cost of training and encouraging continuous learning, you are helping individuals build long-term careers, not just fill roles.
We also need to recognise that support can’t stop at training. Wellbeing needs to form a core part of the conversation. Like so many industries, security is fast-paced and people are regularly faced with difficult, and sometimes traumatic, situations.
Ignoring wellbeing is not an option. That means recognising that challenges don’t only come from the job itself. Whether someone is dealing with a health issue or personal difficulties, it’s about making sure they’re not facing it alone. Providing access to support, including counselling, and giving people the time to prioritise their wellbeing is essential.
With more people working remotely or independently, staying connected is more important than ever. We have found that providing regular check-ins and encouraging open communication helps people feel engaged and part of a wider team, even when they’re not physically together.
When people feel looked after, it reduces stress, builds resilience and creates a more positive working environment, helping to keep people in work for longer. When you invest in your team, they invest in your business, with a stronger sense of ownership and willingness to go the extra mile.
It also shows in team morale. When people feel valued, teams become more connected, supportive and aligned.
Investing in people isn’t a one-off initiative or a plaque on a wall. It’s an ongoing commitment, and one the security industry needs to take more seriously. Because when you support your people properly, they don’t just do their jobs, they take pride in them. And that’s what really makes the difference.
Ian Crawford is operations director at established Yorkshire security firm Gough & Kelly