In the security industry, security guard turnover isn’t just an HR problem—it’s a business-critical issue. With annual turnover rates nearing 100%, far above the 41% average across other industries, companies are stuck in a costly loop of hiring, onboarding, and losing personnel. Each departure brings direct costs like training and uniforms, plus hidden ones like missed shifts, overtime, and admin overload. These disruptions chip away at reliability, client trust, and service quality.
But the impact doesn’t stop there. High security guard turnover also raises serious security risks. New guards, unfamiliar with sites or protocols, are more likely to make mistakes and react slower—putting SLAs, reputation, and client satisfaction on the line. In this blog, we’ll break down the root causes of high guard turnover and show how GuardsPro can help you reduce it by empowering guards, improving scheduling flexibility, and strengthening operational consistency.
Why Are Security Guards Leaving?
Understanding why guards are walking away is key to solving the problem. Common causes of security guard turnover include:
Low Pay and Minimal Benefits
Security guards often earn less than other roles requiring similar levels of responsibility and risk. Many leave for better-paying security jobs in different industries.
Lack of Engagement
Guards assigned to quiet or uneventful sites may feel disconnected. Without purpose or variety, it’s easy to lose interest.
Better Alternatives in Hospitality
Jobs in hospitality, retail, or delivery often pay more, include tips, or offer more flexibility—making them a tempting switch.
Hostile Public Interactions
Confrontations with aggressive individuals can lead to stress and burnout, especially without proper team support or backup.
Inadequate Training
Guards who feel unprepared are more likely to make mistakes—and more likely to quit. A lack of consistent guard training leaves them frustrated and vulnerable.
What You Can Do to Improve Retention
You may not eliminate turnover completely, but with the right steps, you can reduce it dramatically and improve job satisfaction across your team.
1. Offer Competitive Wages and Benefits
Benchmark pay rates in your area. If you can’t offer top-tier salaries, provide value in other ways—like financial wellness programs or commuter benefits.
2. Make Schedules Work for Them
Flexibility is essential. Let guards request preferred shifts, swap as needed, and plan around their personal lives.
3. Match Guards to the Right Roles
Some guards thrive at a reception desk, others prefer night patrols. Understanding preferences and strengths helps you place the right person in the right role.
4. Provide Ongoing Training
Go beyond onboarding. Real-world scenario training, conflict de-escalation, and leadership workshops go a long way toward retention.
5. Create Career Paths
Give guards something to work toward. Talk about future goals and create clear steps to promotion or specialization.
6. Build a Positive Culture
Encourage feedback, team-building, and recognition. A healthy culture promotes loyalty and security guard retention.
7. Support Mental and Physical Well-Being
Offer wellness resources and teach supervisors how to spot burnout early. Small interventions can make a big difference.
8. Offer Performance Incentives
Whether it’s shift priority, bonuses, or public recognition—rewarding good work helps build commitment and pride.
How GuardsPro Helps You Reduce Turnover
Reducing turnover starts with smarter management—and GuardsPro gives you the tools to do just that.
- Smarter Scheduling: Build and assign shifts based on guard preferences, availability, and qualifications—ensuring they’re in the roles they enjoy most.
- Real-Time Communication: Improve team support with instant messaging, notifications, and mobile alerts to keep guards connected and informed.
- Performance Tracking: Use built-in analytics to identify reliable team members and reward great service with data-backed recognition.
- Mobile-Friendly Training Tools: Deliver updates, post orders, and procedural training directly through the GuardsPro Guard App—keeping your guards confident and prepared.
- Recognition & Growth: Track licenses, certifications, and milestones to promote from within and build clear, achievable career paths.
With GuardsPro, you’re not just filling posts—you’re building a loyal, motivated, and experienced workforce.
Final Thoughts
Fixing high guard attrition requires a shift in how we support, train, and manage security personnel. When you invest in the right systems, tools, and culture, your guards stick around—and that stability pays off in better service, safer sites, and stronger client relationships.
With GuardsPro, you’re not only managing turnover—you’re overcoming it.
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