You've built a security company from the ground up. You know the importance of a reliable, well-trained team. But here's a harsh reality: Security guard turnover is a constant battle.

But what if there was a way to build a stronger, more loyal security team?

This guide dives into the data behind security guard turnover, the reasons behind it, and unpacks practical strategies to retain your team.

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Understanding security guard turnover

Turnover refers to the rate at which security guards leave your company. In this industry, it's notoriously high. 

You know how much money and effort it takes to train new guards, only to see them leave in under a year. The idea of being a revolving door disrupts continuity for your clients, who rely on familiar faces for security to achieve peace of mind.

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Security industry turnover rates: A closer look

The security industry’s high turnover rates can have a significant impact on the effectiveness and profitability of security firms.

The average employee turnover rate is 41% across all industries. Yet, reports indicate security guard turnover can range from 100% to 400% annually, depending on the business model and operational environment. This means security companies may need to replace their entire workforce multiple times a year, incurring substantial recruitment and training costs.

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Common causes of high turnover in the security industry

Here's the key factors driving security guard turnover and their impact on your business:

Compensation not competitive

While the average annual security guard salary in the US sits at $34,750, it's important to consider this in the context of other entry-level hourly positions. Security guards are entrusted with significant responsibility, potentially facing dangerous situations and working long hours or night shifts.

Compared to some other entry-level jobs that may offer similar or even slightly higher average annual salaries, such as food service or warehouse work, security guard positions often come with a greater degree of risk and responsibility.

This can be a cause for dissatisfaction among security guards, especially if they feel underpaid relative to their duties and stress levels.

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Limited career advancement

Ambitious guards who see no clear path for advancement within a company are more likely to become disengaged and look for positions that offer growth opportunities. 

Without a clear path forward, guards may leave a security company for competitor opportunities with more exciting career development programs.

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Inadequate training and development

Security guards are entrusted with safeguarding lives and property. Without proper training, they are ill-equipped to handle their responsibilities effectively. This lack of preparation can lead to feelings of inadequacy, stress, and ultimately, a desire to seek out employers who prioritize training and development. 

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Stressful work environment

One study found that security guards experience high levels of stress due to workload and job insecurity. If guards don't feel adequately supported in managing these stressors, they are more likely to seek out less demanding employment options.

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Management missteps

Poor leadership that creates a culture of micromanagement, unclear expectations, or a lack of recognition can quickly erode morale and lead to employee turnover.

Strong leadership that prioritizes open communication, provides constructive feedback, and offers opportunities for professional development is essential for retaining top security personnel.

Dissatisfied guards who feel unsupported by management are more likely to seek competitive opportunities.

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5 strategies to reduce security guard turnover

Now that you know the most common causes of turnover, let’s address what you can do to attract and retain top security professionals. Here are some practical strategies to build a more stable, experienced security team:

Invest in your people

There are ways to invest in your security personnel beyond base salary. Competitive compensation reviews are still crucial, but consider adding creative incentive structures like spot bonuses for exceeding expectations, or performance-based raises through annual reviews. These demonstrate that hard work is valued and can boost morale without requiring you to implement immediate salary hikes.

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Provide career pathways

Any professional needs growth and opportunities, and security guards are no exception. Develop clear career paths within your company, outlining the steps and qualifications needed for advancement to leadership roles or specialized security positions.

For example, a security guard may qualify for a promotion to be a site supervisor or dispatcher. You could have ranks among your security guard force based on years of experience or certifications.

Invest in training programs that equip guards with the skills and certifications they need to progress in their careers. This will not only motivate your team but also build a pool of highly skilled and experienced security professionals within your company.

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Equip for success

Comprehensive training goes a long way in boosting morale and job satisfaction. Move beyond basic security protocols and offer ongoing training on emergency response procedures, de-escalation tactics, first aid, and site-specific protocols.

Consider using online training modules and knowledge assessments to ensure guards stay up-to-date on industry best practices. A well-trained security team feels confident and prepared, leading to greater job satisfaction and reduced security turnover.

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Prioritize well-being

Security work can be demanding. Recognize the challenges your guards face and prioritize their well-being. Explore offering flexible scheduling options to reduce fatigue and burnout.

Implement clear policies and procedures to ensure guards feel supported and empowered to handle stressful situations. 

Consider providing access to employee assistance programs (EAPs) to help guards manage stress and maintain mental health.

By creating a work environment that prioritizes well-being, you'll see a significant improvement in employee morale and retention.

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Invest in leadership training

Ineffective leadership can quickly erode morale and push even your best guards out the door.

By investing in leadership training, you equip supervisors and managers with the skills to build a positive workplace — one with open communication, constructive feedback, and professional development opportunities.

When security guards feel heard, respected, and valued, they're far more likely to stay with your company. Strong leadership creates a sense of community and purpose, keeping your most valuable asset — your security professionals — engaged and committed to your success.

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How Belfry can help reduce turnover

We understand that reducing security guard turnover is a top priority. But with the daily demands of running your business, it can be tough to implement all the strategies you know are effective. That's where Belfry comes in.

Our all-in-one platform is designed specifically for security companies. It helps you address the root causes of turnover and build a stronger, more loyal team.

Here's how Belfry can help:

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Integrated workforce management

Instead of wrestling with spreadsheets and following up on daily activity reports, you and your security officers can now benefit from extra time. Belfry automates the tedious tasks of scheduling, payroll, and billing, freeing up valuable hours to focus on team development. 

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Training and development

Empower your guards to build expertise beyond the basics. Belfry's training and development features take the headache out of managing your training programs. Forget endless paperwork and chasing completion rates. With Belfry, you can effortlessly track training & certifications, and ensure your entire team possesses the skills and certifications they need to excel.

But the benefits go beyond just ticking boxes. By investing in your guards' professional development, you're sending a clear message: their growth matters. This commitment to their future boosts morale, fosters job satisfaction, and creates a team of confident, effective security professionals.

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Employee engagement tools

Belfry's employee engagement tools are designed to bridge the gap between management, security guards, and even your clients.

It’s the only app that your team needs to manage schedules, access timesheets, see paystubs, and update tax & direct deposit information.

By keeping everything in one place, Belfry reduces confusion and ensures guards can easily access their schedules and update availability through a user-friendly mobile app — no more scrambling for last-minute replacements or missed announcements. 

When everyone feels connected, valued, and part of a larger mission, it creates a dramatically more positive work environment. This eliminates the isolation that can contribute to turnover, leading to a more engaged and effective security team.

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Data-driven insights

Gain real-time insights into areas like guard scheduling, overtime costs, and client service metrics. Identify trends and potential issues that could impact profitability before they escalate.

By leveraging data-driven insights, Belfry empowers you to make informed decisions that optimize your security business and maximize profitability.

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Schedule a demo with Belfry today.