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    Security insights: Connected security and workforce development

    Explore this month's security insights on connected security services, employee development, and how managers can help teams adapt to AI and changing security needs.

    Security decisions often mirror the dynamics within an organization, reflecting everything from how teams react to situations at a site to how employees prepare for changes in their roles. Throughout October, we explored how security services can evolve alongside an organization's operations, the importance of employee development for the future of security, and how managers can assist their teams in adapting to the increasing presence of AI. 

    These discussions all circle back to a common question: how can organizations help equip their people with the tools, support, and information they need to excel as their roles and needs change? 

    Here's a look at the security insights we shared throughout October. 

    How connected security services can respond to shifting needs 

    Security needs can fluctuate throughout the day, even within a single location. For instance, a busy entrance might need an on-site security officer, while a parking lot or loading area could benefit from mobile patrols or remote video monitoring during peak times. For organizations managing multiple sites or varying operating schedules, a uniform staffing strategy may not always align with where security resources are truly needed. 

    In “How connected security services help protect environments as needs change,” it highlights how connecting on-site guarding, mobile guarding, and remote guarding with technology can empower security teams to coordinate these services effectively and respond to activities across their environments. Tommy Zarna, Vice President, Global Clients Americas, shares insights on how connected tools can help provide teams with real-time information about site activities, enabling them to look at which resources may be best suited for a response. 

    For example, remote video monitoring can identify unusual behaviors that require an in-person intervention. By sharing this information to a mobile officer before they arrive, the security officer can better understand the situation and prepare accordingly. Additionally, digital reporting can offer the broader team a comprehensive record of events and the officer’s response. 

    The article emphasizes that organizations can tailor their security programs to their specific operations, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach to coverage. Reviewing site activity, incident reports, patrol data, and other relevant information can help security leaders determine where their current security program is working and where to adjust. 

    What workplace recognition says about investing in employees 

    In today’s fast-evolving security landscape, technology continues to reshape how teams operate, but it’s the employees who bring the essential judgment, experience, and interpersonal skills that define the quality of security services. Helping provide opportunities for skill development is crucial for adapting to the security industry’s shifting demands. 

    Recently, Securitas USA was honored with two accolades from Newsweek: America's Greatest Workplaces for Culture, Belonging & Community 2026 and America's Most Admired Workplaces 2027. Our article, “Securitas earns two Newsweek workplace honors,” explores how these recognitions highlight our investment in employee experience and helping foster career growth. 

    Initiatives like the SecureU Education Benefit Program, powered by Guild, empower employees by offering access to educational opportunities that can support their professional and personal goals. Securitas also offers specialized security training, supervisor development, and leadership coaching to help employees hone their skills as they take on new responsibilities and embrace new challenges. 

    These growth opportunities matter in an industry where roles can change alongside client needs and technology. An employee may want to strengthen their expertise in a specific area, prepare for a supervisory position, or pursue further education while continuing to work. Supporting this growth can help employees see opportunities within the organization while bringing fresh insights back to their teams. 

    The recognition from Newsweek also offers a chance to consider the relationship between employee experience and client service. As Chrissy Toskos, Chief People & Experience Officer, says, investing in employees helps strengthen the organization and empowers those who serve clients. This acknowledgement is also a testament to the efforts made in cultivating a positive experience, which includes helping provide employees with opportunities to learn, develop, and grow throughout their careers. 

    Why investing in managers helps build an adaptable workforce 

    Employees thrive when they have opportunities to develop their skills, and it’s often up to managers to help them seize those opportunities. This responsibility has become even more important as AI shifts the workplace and brings up new questions about the skills employees will need in the years ahead. 

    In her article, “Investing in managers first to build workforce scaffolding, not just skills,” Chrissy Toskos explores why it’s important for organizations to prepare managers to lead their teams through change, rather than leaving employees to figure out new expectations on their own. 

    AI adoption involves more than introducing new technology. Employees need time and support to learn how to use it effectively, while managers need to understand how responsibilities may shift and where their teams could benefit from additional training. Skills like critical thinking, judgment, empathy, and relationship-building will continue to be key as people learn to work alongside AI. 

    Chrissy points to the role managers play in fostering employee development, helping them discover growth opportunities, and understanding how their work aligns with the organization's goals. At Securitas, this includes online learning and development opportunities, supervisor experience programs, and coaching for managers. Each of the company's managers has access to a coach who supports their development through ongoing conversations about their work, goals, and areas for improvement. 

    This support can also extend to the teams that managers oversee. Managers often influence employees' daily experiences, and the guidance they offer can shape how individuals approach new responsibilities and learning opportunities. By investing in managers, organizations help provide them with the backing they need to fulfill these responsibilities, enabling them to lead their teams effectively while also continuing to upskill their own leadership. 

    The article also emphasizes an important consideration for organizations weighing investments in AI: technology alone isn’t enough to prepare a workforce for change. Employees need opportunities to develop new skills, and managers must be equipped with the necessary tools and support to guide their teams through this transition. 

    The security insights shaping the conversation 

    This month's insights explored connected security services, the importance of workplace recognition, and how managers can play a role in workforce development. Each offers a different perspective on different ways organizations can adapt to evolving needs while keeping their people at the heart of their decisions. 

    Connected security can give teams more ways to coordinate resources and respond to activities across different environments. By investing in employees, organizations can open doors for skill development and career growth, while leadership training helps managers better support their teams as expectations change. 

    For security and business leaders, these insights can serve as a reminder to assess how their security programs operate today and see where their teams might need extra support moving forward. While technology can help facilitate information sharing and streamline responses, it’s the employees and managers who ultimately decide how to leverage these tools effectively. 

    For more conversations on security, technology, and workforce development, explore our blog for the latest security insights.

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