Business and recreational travelers demand safe and secure hotel accommodations and responsive and friendly customer service. How can hoteliers ensure that their property provides as secure an environment as possible, while maintaining friendly customer service? 
 

There are countless industries that utilize security officers to protect their employees, customers, assets and facilities. While the underlying reasons for contracting security might be similar, the nuances of vertical market-specific security programs couldn’t be more different. A security officer patrolling a commercial high rise has markedly different duties than one in a healthcare facility. College campuses have vastly different security needs than chemical plants. 
 

There is no substitute for a well-trained, best-in-class security officer. Service experience, skill-based training, consistent standards and adherence to quality and best practices are crucial to establishing a baseline for best-in-class service delivery. Once this baseline has been established, technology can empower security officers to become even faster, more responsive and better able to protect property and lives. 
 

No one should take security for granted, particularly when it comes to critical infrastructure like chemical and petrochemical facilities. In the past, the major concern for these facilities had been accidents causing extensive damage and loss of life. Now, we also have the added risk of intentional acts of sabotage and terrorist attacks.
 

While a physical security presence will always be the foundation of a commercial property’s security program, the industry continues to evolve with new technology solutions, streamlined operations and increased efficiencies. Incident reporting tools, camera monitoring, and security officer tour systems help create comprehensive security programs at commercial buildings across the country. The key to a successful program is the right balance of people and technology.
 

Consider this – A safety goal of 7:1. Meaning, for every one behavior that needs to be corrected, managers should recognize employees seven other times for positive safety measures. In the security industry, where safety is essential to completing job duties every day, safety culture best practices should be continually reinforced.
 

According to the 2017 Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends research, nearly 80% of business leaders rated the employee experience as very important. What defines experience? It’s not only based on an organization’s culture and engagement, it’s an integrated focus on the entire workplace, HR and management practices that make for an enjoyable experience and job satisfaction. In an increasingly digital world where transparency and millennials begin to dominate, you must make the total experience essential to your operation.
 

Business improvement districts help invigorate neighborhoods and stimulate economic development. These districts bring together businesses and other neighborhood residents such as schools and cultural institutions to create a positive environment that will attract more patrons. 
 

Today’s shopping malls include more entertainment venues, theaters, restaurants and events that attract shoppers and increase patronage. This approach is designed to make the property a shopping destination, and it is building vitality back into many malls that have seen vacancy rates increase and sales decrease. This change specifically appeals to the tastes of young adults.

When an emergency occurs, whether it is a cardiac or first-aid emergency, or a natural disaster or workplace violence incident, the emergency responder who makes the difference between life and death is one who is well trained.