Did you know that employee callouts can seriously damage a security company's reputation and make it much harder to attract new business? In security, consistent attendance is vital for maintaining operational efficiency, client satisfaction, and a positive work environment. 

Read on to learn:

• Why employee callouts are a challenge in the security industry
• Strategies for reducing callouts
• How to use tech to improve attendance
• Long-term strategies for building a more reliable workforce
• How Belfry's platform can support your efforts

Let’s start by explaining why employee callouts are such a serious issue. 
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Why employee callouts are a challenge in the security industry

Employee callouts can be a tall hurdle to overcome in the security industry. They disrupt operations, increase costs, and even lower morale. Let's take a closer look at why:  

• Firstly, consistent security coverage becomes difficult to maintain. When an employee calls out, it creates a staffing gap that can be difficult to fill at short notice. This can leave sites vulnerable, especially if there are no backup personnel available.
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• Secondly, callouts lead to increased costs. The company has to pay the absent employee, but they may also incur overtime costs for others who have to cover the shift. Plus, there may be costs associated with finding and training replacement staff.
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• Thirdly, callouts can affect others' morale. When colleagues have to cover for absent employees consistently, it can lead to feelings of resentment and frustration. This can create a negative work environment and lead to more callouts.  
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• Finally, callouts can hurt a company's reputation. If a security company is unable to provide reliable service due to frequent callouts, it can lose clients and damage its reputation. This can make it hard to attract new business and retain existing clients.
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9 tips to reduce employee callouts in security

Let's dive into nine proven strategies to help you reduce employee callouts and keep your security team running smoothly.
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Tip 1: Implement flexible scheduling

The security industry often involves long, rigid shifts that can lead to burnout. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, why not empower your employees with flexible scheduling options? 

This allows them to achieve a better work-life balance and reduces the need to callout just to manage their personal lives. Think about implementing:

• Shift swapping: Allow colleagues to trade shifts with each other easily. Whether you can do this or not will depend on how many guards are active at any given time or if your team is big enough for guards to do shift swapping effectively. 
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• Compressed workweeks: Offer the option of working longer shifts over fewer days — if possible, according to your business model.
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• Flexible start and end times: Providing some leeway in shift start and end times to accommodate personal needs. Just like with the other tips, consider the type of operations you are running and see if flexible start and end times are doable. 
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Tip 2: Offer competitive pay and benefits

Fair compensation is a major factor in increasing employee satisfaction and reducing turnover. In a competitive industry like security, offering competitive pay and benefits is crucial to attract and retain top talent. 

The truth is that when employees feel valued and fairly compensated, they're more likely to be committed to their jobs — leading to fewer callouts.

Consider offering a complete benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. You could even throw in some hefty performance bonuses if budget and finances allow for it. 

Remember: By investing in your employees' well-being, you show them that you value their contributions and are committed to their long-term success.
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Tip 3: Invest in employee wellness programs

Employee wellness programs show a commitment to your team's overall well-being. Prioritizing both mental and physical health is key. Provide access to mental health resources, such as counseling services or employee assistance programs (EAPs). 

Offer workshops on stress management techniques and resilience building. You can also encourage physical wellness through gym memberships or on-site fitness classes.

By creating a supportive environment where individuals feel valued and cared for, you can reduce the likelihood of callouts due to stress or burnout. After all, security is a line of work where both body and mind need to be in tip-top condition for operations to go well. 
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Tip 4: Conduct regular Check-ins with staff

Open communication is key to a healthy work environment. Implement a system of regular check-ins with your security staff. These can be one-on-one meetings, where you can discuss individual workloads, challenges, and overall well-being. 

Team meetings are also valuable for addressing concerns collectively. Think of these check-ins as preventative maintenance. They provide a great opportunity to spot any potential issues early on and provide support before they escalate into reasons for calling out.
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Tip 5: Recognize and reward reliable attendance

Implement a system that rewards employees with excellent attendance records. This could include "Employee of the Month-style" awards that highlight those who consistently show up and go above and beyond. 

You can also offer attendance bonuses or other incentives for maintaining good attendance over a specific period. You’d be surprised at how even a simple public acknowledgment in team meetings or company newsletters can go a long way. 

Remember: By acknowledging and rewarding consistent attendance, you create a culture that values reliability and encourages employees to prioritize showing up for their shifts.
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Tip 6: Provide clear communication and expectations

Make sure all personnel have a clear understanding of the company's attendance policy, including procedures for reporting absences and the consequences of unexcused callouts. 

Be upfront about your expectations regarding attendance and punctuality, emphasizing the impact of callouts on team performance and client satisfaction. Keep an open-door policy and encourage employees to share any concerns they may have that could affect their attendance. 

Open communication and setting clear expectations lead to fewer misunderstandings and encourage employees to take accountability for their attendance.
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Tip 7: Foster a positive work environment

A supportive work environment can go a long way in reducing employee callouts. Think about it: Do your employees feel respected and valued? Do they have opportunities for growth and development? Do they feel comfortable communicating openly with their supervisors? 

When employees feel like they are part of a team and that their contributions matter, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work, leading to fewer absences.  
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Tip 8: Offer training and development opportunities

Provide opportunities for skill enhancement through training programs that make them more valuable to the company and more engaged in their roles. Create clear pathways for career progression within the company, giving employees something to strive for.

Identify and develop future leaders within the security team. When employees feel like they are growing and advancing in their careers, they are more likely to be motivated and invested in their work, reducing the likelihood of callouts.
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Tip 9: Use technology for easy shift management

In today's digital age, technology can be a powerful tool in managing employee schedules and reducing callouts. Let’s take a close look at what those tools:

• Shift scheduling software: Use software that allows employees to view their schedules easily, request time off, and swap shifts with colleagues.
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• Mobile apps: Consider using mobile apps that let employees manage their schedules and communicate with supervisors on the go.
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• Automated reminders: Use automated systems to send reminders about upcoming shifts and any changes to the schedule.

By leveraging the right tech, you can simplify shift management, empower employees to take control of their schedules, and reduce the chances of unplanned absences.

Want tips on how to streamline your security employee management? Read our full article. 
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Extra strategies for long-term callout reduction

Addressing the root causes of absenteeism requires a more holistic approach that focuses on building a supportive and engaging work environment. Here are some extra strategies to consider:
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Evaluate and refine attendance policies

Take a close look at your current attendance policies. Are they clear, fair, and easily understood by all employees? Do they inadvertently encourage absenteeism, or do they support a culture of responsibility? 

Consider implementing a graduated system of consequences for excessive callouts while also offering incentives for consistent attendance, as we mentioned before. Regularly review and update your policies to make sure they remain relevant and effective.
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Build stronger manager-employee relationships

Strong relationships between managers and their team members are crucial for creating a positive and supportive work environment. Encourage open communication and trust by:

• Providing regular feedback: Both positive and constructive feedback help employees feel valued and understand expectations. Remember, no news = good news isn’t how everybody operates, so make sure to let personnel know how they’re doing regularly. 
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• Actively listening to concerns: Create a safe space for employees to voice their concerns and challenges without fear of judgment. In our tips, we mentioned team meetings as a good way of creating these safe spaces. 
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• Showing genuine care and support: Demonstrate empathy and understanding when employees are facing personal or professional difficulties. This is especially important with guards who are out there facing potentially life-threatening situations. 
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Promote work-life balance

The security industry often demands long hours and irregular shifts, which can make it difficult for employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Encourage your team to prioritize their well-being by offering:  

• Generous paid time off: Allow employees to take time off to recharge and attend to personal matters. Guard duty can be very taxing, so keep a close eye on employee exhaustion levels as well. 
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• Flexible work arrangements: Where possible, offer options like remote work or flexible scheduling to help employees manage their work and personal lives. Keep in mind this applies to operation coordinators rather than guards. 
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• Resources and support: Provide access to resources that promote work-life balance, such as employee assistance programs or workshops on stress management and time management. This tip was on our list, but it also applies to reductions in long-term callouts.

By promoting a healthy work-life balance, you can create a more sustainable and fulfilling work environment, reducing stress and improving employee morale, which in turn can lead to fewer callouts.
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How Belfry supports security companies in managing attendance

We've shared some key tips for reducing employee callouts in the security industry. Now, let's explore how Belfry's tools can help put those tips into action.

Belfry is an end-to-end security management platform created to facilitate operations, improve communication, and offer managers real-time visibility into their workforce. Belfry can support security companies in managing attendance and minimizing callouts. Here’s how:

• Efficient scheduling and shift management: Belfry allows for easy scheduling, shift swapping, and shift management while also providing SMS notifications and reminders to keep employees informed.  
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• Real-time attendance tracking: Belfry offers real-time attendance tracking with GPS-based location monitoring and geofencing capabilities to make sure employees are on-site and accountable.  
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• Clear and direct communication: Belfry provides built-in communication tools for instant messaging, alerts, and announcements, facilitating clear and timely communication between management and guards — all through our mobile app.   
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• Data-driven insights: Belfry enables the generation of custom reports on attendance patterns for data analysis, allowing for informed decision-making about scheduling and staffing, and minimizing absenteeism.

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