Situational awareness can be defined simply as “knowing what is going on around us†or more technically – as “the perception of the elements in the environment within a volume of time and space, the comprehension of their meaning and the projection of their status in the near futureâ€Â
Security awareness is important for the workplace. It is very important to develop comprehensive security awareness in the work place. It requires dedicated oversight and should be ongoing, with engaging exercises. It should certainly not be seen only as part of compliance or an audit initiative since that is likely to result in ticking off checklists rather than implementing any lasting behavioural change. A pro-active approach will help to underline the importance of security at the venue.
It will still be necessary to explain to employees why security awareness is needed, what the main risks are and how reducing risk will help the business. Employees need to understand the part they play in achieving a common security vision.
Promoting Security Situational Awareness
Promoting security awareness doesn’t have to be the sole responsibility of the security team, which sometimes can be time constrained. By getting other hotel staff or managers involved, individuals outside of security can help to be extra eyes, ears for the security team.
