Why you should know the difference between concierge and security services and how it can boost and benefit your business to have both.
It may seem like there might not be a point in hiring security if you already have concierge services and while having a front desk team is incredibly beneficial and they can aid in security measures, sometimes it is best to have security services that are able to focus solely on security tasks.
Safety and security should be right near the top of priorities for any company, so having a team specifically dedicated to this is the smartest option, as we all know by now that multitasking isn’t the best way to go and with something as important, risks shouldn’t be taken.
We will cover some of the differences between concierge vs security and how having both is beneficial.
Key differences
Concierge services are there to attend to the needs of guests and residents. Yes, safety and security does fall into the bracket of their responsibilities but their priority is hospitality. Their first reaction, or instinct, is to recover any dissatisfaction and to create a hospitable environment that is both positive and welcoming.
On the other side, security services priority is the safety and security of the community. They’re highly trained and equipped to handle a wide range of situations including constant surveillance monitoring, noise disturbances, trespassers and transient individuals, fire emergencies, suspicious activity, and routine patrol checks with minimal interruptions.
Benefits of having both
1. Distractions
Front desk staff have to be readily available for whenever residents and guests need them, it is an essential part of their services. Which is good for being able to see who is coming and going in the building but there will be many times when they are attending to the community needs and this is where having someone specifically for security makes the difference. With having security services, they can be solely focused on attending to suspicious activity, checks and even emergency situations, all while your front desk team can give their full attention to your residents and guests.
2. Training
Another main benefit to having both concierge and security services are that both roles require different training. While both personnel will be trained, it will be differently and someone at the front desk is not going to be able to handle the same situations as trained security guards. And vice versa, security may lack the finesse or organization required for front desk.
3. Good teamwork
In matters of security both of these services work together incredibly well, with concierge staff being able to offer another pair of eyes and ears. Either being able to help spot something that looks suspicious or being able to relay information to other staff members or potentially even calling emergency services, all while having someone dedicated to the de-escalation of the situation, allowing for full control and information on any given situation. Concierge staff can also keep a record of information that can assist with security, such as logbooks and information on residents and guests.
4. Friendly touch
Often times security personnel and security guards can seem rather intimidating, especially if guarding a front entrance. Being able to have a smiling face at a front desk to give personal assistance, all the while having security subtly in the background will make a world of difference. Also allowing concierge to take basic security measures such as sign in and giving access in a professional and welcoming manner, will give a great impression all the while helping security services.
Making people feel safe and at ease without pushing it in their faces and causing them to wonder if there is something to worry about while being in the building.
5. Two is better than one
While it is true that having just one of these services will make a difference to your services and business, having both will truly elevate your guest service and residential experience.
Security personnel can be trained for the front desk and concierge staff can perform certain security measures, but at what point are you potentially asking for too much and stretching either of these services too thin and therefore risking the integrity of the role they perform. In turn, risking resident satisfaction and potentially even staff and community safety.
Security should be focusing on just that and concierge; the well-being and satisfaction of the guests and residents. When those lines start to become too frequently merged and crossed this is when service will suffer.
When you truly think about it, it shouldn’t be concierge services vs security services, it should be them both working together to create a harmonious, seamless and safe experience.
