Lessons from UTech: 3 Reasons the Security Guard Should Not Be Your Receptionist

1. It’s not his job
And you need someone to tell you this, why?
The security guard is employed to ensure that the business is… wait for it… secure! He’s not the receptionist! While it may save the company money by having the security guard explain stupid company policies and help clients to fill out forms, and other ridiculous duties, it runs counter to the job he’s actually employed to do. That doesn’t mean he can’t do it, if he is blessed with a warm and inviting personality i.e. people friendly. However, these duties should not detract from his primary role to protect the employees and assets of the company.

2. Choose your poison
Unless you operate a bank, there’s no reason for the security guard to be at the front door.
Do you want your place secured or do you want customer service? You can’t always have it both ways. If in doubt, do a quick survey of your customers to find out if they’re comfortable being interrogated every time they want to do business with you.

3. You can’t pay for it
The security guard is trained to be suspicious of everyone. That’s his job! Although some have been known to do it all and do it well, it’s not easy being courteous and helpful to someone you’re hired to protect against. Have you ever seen an airport security officer smiling? Would you want to? My point exactly. When your job demands that you scrutinize every individual and stay on guard for suspicious activity, who’s to tell if the person asking a seemingly innocent question isn’t looking to rob the business? Unless you’re in the 1%, you just can’t afford to pay someone to be naughty and nice at the same time.

It’s a no brainer. Let the security guards do what they were hired to do and spend your money to get a real receptionist whose job it is to give proper customer service to your clients. It really is that simple!