Any time there is a fundamental change within an organization, it is sure to ruffle some feathers. Whether it’s new parking regulations, a shift in business hours or a change in the dress code, it will take some time for the employee population to adapt and become comfortable with the new reality.
This reality also applies when it comes to installing security entrances at a facility. New turnstiles, revolving doors or security portals require “trained traffic” to be used properly and safely. This means there is a significant change in behavior for personnel who may have been accustomed to simply walking into a building or flashing an ID card to a security officer. Ultimately, that could translate into dissatisfaction and resistance to adoption, causing greater exposure to risk.
To ensure an environment of acceptance that will minimize complaints and misunderstandings, here are six best practices for introducing security entrances to your organization:
1. Communicate With Your Personnel
Emails are a great place to begin educating staff on the importance of personally contributing to one’s own safety as well as the collective safety of others. Typically, you would communicate a general message 2-3 months in advance and then provide more specific information (for example, impacts to fire egress, using certain entrances during construction) closer to the installation date.
2. Meet With the Team
Schedule group meetings to share the rationale for increased security, statistics on crime, the new security changes that are coming, show any drawings/photos of the new door/turnstiles, and show the orientation videos available from the manufacturer. These meetings are an excellent way to directly field questions, address user concerns and gain support.
3. Hold a Training Session
Unlike a standard swinging, sliding, or revolving door, security doors and turnstiles are designed to stop tailgating and for this reason, they use a variety of mechanical moving parts that work in conjunction with access control systems.
Untrained or confused users can contribute to impaired traffic flow, and may even bump into moving parts. Without exception, all users should be familiarized with the working principles of security entrance equipment and understand the rules for safe and efficient passage.
4. Appoint “Ambassadors”
Just before your security entrances are operational, train “ambassadors” on how to use the door/turnstile properly. When everything is up and running, have these people monitor the entrances and assist employees for an introductory period, and particularly during peak traffic times.
Ambassadors should present a positive attitude when introducing the new security entrance. Users might be uncomfortable with the application until they have adjusted to the new procedure, and positive comments from the ambassador will help ease this discomfort and have lasting positive effects on the user. Some organizations have added food to the mix such as free doughnuts or pizza!
5. Make a Video
Shoot a friendly orientation video showing your new security entrances in action. You can demonstrate how they work, talk about the reasoning for installing them and show how they enhance the look of your facility. Once the video is ready, share it among all your personnel. You can send it as an email attachment to the entire staff, as well as run it on displays in public areas such as the cafeteria, lobby and hallways. Also, turnover is inevitable – videos can also serve to educate new employees, students or users during onboarding or orientation periods.
6. Emphasize Security Messaging
Throughout all of the above strategies, be sure you are emphasizing how your new security entrances will benefit employees and the company as a whole. In today’s climate of heightened security awareness, there may be hidden or overt concerns regarding workplace violence. Your staff will be much more accepting of this fundamental change if they understand that it will improve their personal safety, ensure accurate mustering during a fire or other emergency, and protect their property.
Above all, make personnel a part of the change rather than simply imposing it on them. By letting them participate and contribute to their own safety in a responsible way, you have achieved much more than just a compliant workforce. In this way, you can change the organization’s culture from resistance to acceptance –and even advocacy.
