Tips, Tools & Tactics September 2025 Vol 3

Guards and firms are no strangers to the industry’s challenges. Turnover is high and recruitment costs are rising; demands for advanced guard skills are evolving, and an emphasis on guard well-being is shaping the way companies hire, train, and retain their teams.

This month’s newsletter will look at the state of the industry right now and offer solutions and suggestions for how we can collectively turn these challenges into opportunities.

🚨 Recruitment on the Front Line: Battling High Turnover in Security

Turnover rates in the security industry are far above most industries, ranging anywhere from 100% to 400% annually. As high recruitment costs and inconsistent service quality threaten brand reputation, what’s the solution?

The Revolving Door: Tackling Turnover and Talent Gaps in Security

The impact of high turnover is significant: demand for well-trained guards is high, and recruitment costs are on the rise, creating service gaps and inconsistencies that fuel the condition. As companies struggle to keep teams stable long enough to become contenders, many are turning to tailored online training programs to solve the problem.

Online training serves multiple purposes: it provides scalable consistency across teams, fosters a sense of belonging and confidence among guards, and supports retention efforts as elite skills add value to the firm and increase earning potential for the guard.

We encourage firms to explore Defencify’s Academy Architect: a branded, fully customizable three-tier academy that provides the skills you need and the experience guards want. It’s your blueprint to enable a stronger culture, better retention, and industry recognition for excellence. Check out Academy Architect here!

 

💰 Retention at Risk: Wage Challenges Undermining Security Teams

Low pay has always been a sticking point in the security industry. Security forums highlight declining wages in key markets, especially for unarmed roles. Easily the single biggest hurdle in hiring, how can firms provide excellence and still maintain the bottom line? READ

Money Talks: Why Retention Hinges on Competitive Pay

Recent data shows that pay for unarmed guard roles in parts of Los Angeles dropped from $19–$20/hour to $16–$17/hour. This is not a living wage!

As one firm so succinctly put it, “Raising wages is the single biggest hurdle we face in hiring.”

And we get it. Higher pay equals higher payroll taxes and fringes, reducing margins significantly. On the other hand, lower pay has a direct impact on recruitment quality, making it challenging for firms to attract and retain skilled talent.

Can firms confidently raise wages and rates to balance the scales? We believe that’s a YES!

Guard training is no longer optional. It’s an investment in long-term continuity and firm reputation. Elite training programs give firms something to talk about, helping them justify higher fees in exchange for top-notch services that meet the demands of today’s clientele.

Check out our blog on Justifying Premium Fees Through Guard Excellence for answers!

 

📚 Training for Tomorrow: Meeting the New Demands of Security Work

Today’s security professionals are expected to do much more than just patrol. Modern guard roles increasingly require:

·         AI and advanced technology interaction

·         Access control system management

·         Cybersecurity awareness

·         Elite conflict management skills

·         Advanced certifications

Guard training must evolve, not only to meet client needs, but also to mitigate risk and liability for the firm as the threat environment becomes increasingly sophisticated.

 

Up-Skilling Security: Why Training Is No Longer Optional

In response to increasing client demands, top firms such as Building Security Services, American Security Force, Pinkerton, and Fast Guard Service emphasize continuous training as a key competitive differentiator. Recent events, like the two headline-making corporate shootings in New York City, have put clients on edge and firms at a disadvantage as many struggle to satisfy the need for trained, certified armed response and guards with advanced technological and observational skills.

In the absence of advanced training, firms can face myriad risks, including higher insurance costs and increased liability, not to mention the risk to guards and the public. Online training offers firms a cost-effective way to upskill their guard force, driving retention, justifying higher fees, and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Read our article on Differentiating Your Service with Elite Guard Training to learn more.

 

 

 

🧠 Stronger Minds, Stronger Security: Prioritizing Workforce Well-being

Guard work can be demanding. Long hours, high stress, and constant vigilance quickly lead to burnout, introducing additional risk for the firm as guards leave for greener pastures or destabilize their teams. Industry trends indicate a strong movement towards enhancing guard mental health through training, promoting work-life balance, and fostering a sense of community.

Protecting the Protectors: Building a Sustainable Security Workforce

Though guard burnout has been a historic, systemic issue, security firms are now beginning to recognize the value of providing mental health support. Mental health and wellness programs for guards take many forms, some more visible than others:

•              Management training to recognize signs of burnout

•              Balanced schedules to reduce overwhelm and overwork

•              Frequent check-ins to ascertain a guard’s state of mind

•              In-house wellness programs such as physical fitness, counselling, and mindfulness

•              Advanced training to boost confidence in high-stress situations

•              Emphasis on work-life balance

•              Fostering a sense of community and culture within the firm and across teams

With the proper oversight, empathy, training, and support, firms can reduce turnover, mitigate risk, and strengthen teams from the inside. If guard burnout is an issue at your firm, consider revisiting policies and training programs through a wellness lens.

Find out how today’s guards can address the challenges in our article: Top Security Guard Challenges – and How to Overcome them Like a Pro.

 

Visit Defencify at GSX 2025, September 29 – October 1

On October 1, 2025, we’re heading to New Orleans for GSX 2025, and we’d love to see you there! Discover our latest programs, meet the team, and engage with a live, immersive VR demo experience.

Visit Defencify at GSX 2025

When: September 29 – October 1, 2025
Where: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans
Our Booth: #549

This year, we’re showcasing something special we think you’re going to love: a live demo of our new Virtual Reality Shoot/Don’t Shoot training program—designed to sharpen split-second decision-making under pressure, improve reaction times, and enhance situational awareness.
Stop by Booth #549 to meet our team, see the VR system in action, and discover how our solutions can raise the bar in security training and compliance.

📅 Mark your calendar today—GSX 2025 is an event you won’t want to miss!

Key Takeaways from Our September News

The issues we highlighted this month have one central point in common: differentiation, retention, and firm sustainability require an intentional approach to guard well-being. We can accomplish these goals by providing a fair wage, advanced training, and justifying higher fees through guard excellence.

Don’t forget to reserve your badges for GSX 2025 and visit us at Booth #549 to discover how Defencify can help you achieve your sustainability goals, boost retention, and address many of these pressing issues once and for all.