Should You Externalize Your Hotel Security Services?

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, providing adequate security measures for guests and staff is crucial in the hotel industry. One of the decisions that hotel management must make is whether to internalize or externalize security services. Both approaches have their benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice will depend on the specific needs and goals of each hotel.

Reasons to Externalize to a Specialized Company:

Cost Control: Outsourcing security to a specialized company can be more cost-effective as it eliminates the need for hiring and training in-house security personnel. This can also save the hotel money on benefits, insurance, and other employee-related costs.

Handling of Potentially Dangerous Situations: Security in the hotel industry often involves potential dangers, and it is safer to have professionals trained and equipped to handle these situations. A specialized security company can also provide a more comprehensive and up-to-date security plan to ensure the safety of guests and staff.

Access to Advanced Technologies: A specialized security company has access to a wider range of advanced security technologies and equipment, such as state-of-the-art surveillance systems, that may not be feasible for a hotel to invest in. By outsourcing security, the hotel can benefit from these technologies without incurring the cost of purchasing and maintaining them.

Improved Guest and Asset Protection: An external security team can offer a fresh perspective and a more objective approach to security, making it easier to identify potential threats and prevent theft, pilfering, and other forms of criminal activity.

Reasons to Keep Security In-House:

Personalized Guest Experience: An in-house security team can provide a more personal touch and a deeper understanding of the hotel’s specific needs and goals. This can lead to a more customized and guest-focused security plan, helping to ensure that guests feel safe and secure during their stay.

Data Protection: Keeping security in-house means that sensitive guest and company information is not shared with a third party. This is essential for protecting the privacy of guests and maintaining the reputation of the hotel.

Improved Employee Morale: Having an in-house security team can foster a sense of community and teamwork among hotel staff. This can lead to improved employee morale and a more positive working environment.

Tailored Security Measures: An in-house security team can be trained and equipped to meet the specific needs of the hotel, including its size, location, type of events, and more. This can result in a more customized and effective security plan, tailored to the unique needs of the hotel.

In conclusion, the decision of whether to internalize or externalize security services in a hotel is a complex one that requires careful consideration of a variety of factors. Factors such as cost, industry standards, data protection, employee morale, and guest experience must all be weighed in order to determine the best course of action. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on the specific needs and goals of each hotel, as well as the resources and expertise available to the management.