Orientation should prepare security guards for the job ahead. Yet, too often, it just slows them down.
Traditional orientation sessions are heavy on policy and feel disconnected from the actual work that new hires are brought on to do. For junior guards in particular, orientation may fail to prepare them for the situations they’ll face on post.
So, instead of running orientation before training, what if orientation were part of the training itself?
Let’s explore how to transform security orientation through online training and assess the positive impact it can have on your security company.
The Problem With Traditional Orientation
Security guard orientation is typically conducted through classroom sessions, printed policies, and live presentations. However, this approach can be outdated and inefficient for today’s workforce.
Common issues that arise due to traditional orientation include:
- Delays due to scheduling
- Inconsistent delivery across locations
- Low retention of key information
- Lack of job-specific preparation
- Limited engagement from guards
Why Online Training Works Better for Orientation
Online training can be a more viable and beneficial option for security companies.
For starters, it allows for flexibility. A learning style where participants don’t all have to be online at the same time is called asynchronous learning. It offers plenty of benefits, which we will cover below.
1. Deliver content immediately without scheduling
Online orientation enables new hires to begin learning as soon as they’re onboarded. This means fewer delays caused by waiting for a scheduled class or instructor availability.
Guards can access orientation immediately, helping companies reduce downtime and speed up deployment. This option is especially valuable for remote or small offices.
2. Keep messages and tone consistent across all hires
Traditional live sessions often vary depending on the presenter leading them, which can cause inconsistencies in how policies and company values are communicated.
Online training guarantees that every new hire receives the same message, helping establish a unified understanding of expectations, culture, and procedures across all locations.
3. Provide interactive, scenario-based learning
Online modules can engage new employees with real-world examples and interactive exercises.
For instance, at Guard Training, our tiered academy program provides situational judgment exercises that help guards practice applying what they’ve learnt into everyday situations that they could face on duty.
Interactive training can support the retention of materials while building confidence in new hires. Rather than passive listening, guards are actively participating in their orientation experience.
4. Track completion and comprehension automatically
With built-in quizzes, online training confirms that new hires understand key topics and information. Managers and HR staff can easily monitor guard progress without needing to do any manual tracking.
Compared to traditional orientation approaches, this makes it far easier to ensure consistency across teams and address knowledge gaps early. After assessing retention, action can be taken to help prevent misunderstandings that could lead to errors or liability down the line.
5. Offer flexibility during orientation
Online orientation can be accessed anytime and anywhere, from computers, laptops, tablets, and phones. This provides companies with all the flexibility they need, especially those hiring guards across multiple cities. It also enables part-time or on-call staff to complete orientation on their own schedule, without disrupting operations or requiring in-person attendance.
As a bonus, companies avoid the costs associated with travel, classroom space, and hired instructors.
What to Include in Online Orientation
Above all, your company’s orientation should be practical. It should outline the principles for how your security officers must conduct themselves, respond to situations, and represent your company on-site.
Below are the key topics to include in your online orientation modules, along with examples of how they can be delivered through targeted training content.
Company Mission and Values
Set the tone from the beginning. Using a brief video or narrated module to explain the purpose behind your organization and the principles that guide your work.
Make it relatable by including field-based examples of how those values show up on duty. For instance, in maintaining professionalism when de-escalating a tense situation or accountability when reporting incidents.
Helpful tie-in courses include:
- Public Relations: Demonstrates how guards can build trust with the public and uphold their company’s reputation by acting ethically and professionally on duty.
- Supervision: Useful for showcasing the potential for upward growth in the company and laying out expectations for leadership and teamwork.
Code of Conduct and Harassment Policies
While written materials can serve as helpful refreshers, online training is far more effective for sensitive subjects like harassment. It allows guards to engage privately and at their own pace. In addition, it encourages honest reflection and a deeper understanding of expectations. The goal is to reinforce standards of respect, professionalism, and compliance with anti-harassment policies.
The main goal of this aspect of orientation is to reinforce expectations for respectful behavior and anti-harassment standards.
Helpful tie-in courses include:
- Employer Policies & Orientation: Prepares security personnel to meet employer expectations through proper documentation, conduct, and adherence to key policies.
- California Sexual Harassment Training for Employees: Provides mandatory training to help employees recognize, prevent, and respond to sexual harassment in the workplace, in line with California law.
Professional Expectations on Site
Use short modules to clearly define what’s expected regarding appearance, punctuality, and communication on-site and with supervisors.
Reinforce these expectations by providing examples of strong and poor performance, helping employees understand the full impact of their choices and actions.
Helpful tie-in courses include:
- Communication and Its Significance: Covers key communication skills for security officers, including internal protocols, emergency notifications, and professional use of radios, phones, and public address systems.
- Post Orders & Assignments: Introduces site-specific responsibilities, including post orders, documentation, and emergency protocols, while reinforcing the importance of following established procedures.
Safety Guidelines and Emergency Procedures
Your online orientation should prepare guards to respond to a wide range of emergencies from day one, since they may face unexpected challenges even on their first shift.
This part of the orientation should include general safety awareness, evacuation planning, and clear guidance on how to handle high-risk situations.
Helpful tie-in courses include:
- Evacuation Procedures: Details steps for various types of emergency evacuations and covers key emergency responses, including fire safety, evacuation routes, and earthquake and weather procedures
- Officer Safety: Trains security personnel to identify and assess threats, apply verbal de-escalation techniques, and protect themselves. It covers situational awareness, proper use of personal protective equipment, and self-defense basics.
Modernize Your Security Guard Orientation with Online Training
Traditional security guard orientation often falls short in preparing new hires for the realities of their roles. Fortunately, by integrating orientation into online training, you create an engaging and effective onboarding experience that builds confidence and competence without leaving any knowledge gaps.
At Guard Training, our security license classes are designed specifically for orientation, offering interactive scenarios, consistent messaging, flexible access, and more. These features improve understanding of vital information and help new hires hit the ground running.
