The Security industry plays a vital role in maintaining social safety, yet it is one of the professions with a high turnover rate. The main factors are the irregular night shifts and long committed hours inherent in facility security and traffic control, coupled with the physical strain from long periods of standing outdoors. Furthermore, the combination of low wage levels and a lack of clear career progression due to the monotonous nature of the work exacerbates turnover, especially among younger staff.
This article provides a detailed explanation of the factors leading to the high turnover rate in this profession, examining them from four perspectives: working conditions, compensation/benefits, workload, and career development.
Turnover Rates in “Other Classified Services” Industries (Reference Data)
The overall turnover rate for the industry including security remains higher than the all-industry average.
| Category | Services, N.E.C. Turnover Rate | Average Turnover Rate Across All Industries |
| Annual Turnover Rate | 18.7% (2022) | 15.0% (2022) |
| Turnover Rate within 3 Years (New University Graduates) | 45.0% (March 2022 Graduates) | 33.8% (March 2022 Graduates) |
| Turnover Rate within 3 Years (New High School Graduates) | 52.2% (March 2022 Graduates) | 37.9% (March 2022 Graduates) |
1. The Issue of Working Hours (Irregular Long Commitment and Shift Patterns)
Since the need for security arises 24 hours a day, night shifts and long committed hours are normalized, easily disrupting life rhythms.
Irregular Working Hours:
- Frequent Night/Overnight Shifts: Facility and event security often mandate working during night and late-night hours, making it difficult to maintain a stable life rhythm.
- Shift Volatility: Working hours frequently change based on the site or event schedule, making it hard to plan private activities.
Normalization of Long Commitment:
- Distinction Between Working and Waiting Time: Committed hours tend to be long, including standby time within facilities or waiting time at traffic control sites.
- Occurrence of Overtime: Traffic control and event security are prone to unpredictable overtime based on the situation at the site or the end time of the event.
- Holiday Work: Inspections of facilities and events often occur on weekends, making it difficult to take time off on Saturdays and Sundays.
2. The Issue of Compensation and Benefits (Wages Not Commensurate with Work Severity)
Many staff members feel that the wage level is low despite the demanding nature and heavy responsibility of the work.
Low Wage Levels:
- Prevalence of Daily/Hourly Wages: Traffic control, in particular, often operates on a daily wage system, leading to unstable income.
- Imbalance with Duties: Many feel the salary level is low despite the work involving risk and requiring sustained concentration over long periods.
Self-Payment of Expenses:
- Some companies require staff to self-fund necessary equipment or cold-weather gear, which pressures the actual take-home pay.
Insufficient Allowances:
- Hazard pay and night shift allowances may be perceived as not commensurate with the severity and irregularity of the work.
3. Workload and Mental Stress (Heavy Physical Labor and Risk)
The harsh outdoor environment and the constant mental tension required to anticipate trouble and danger pose a significant burden.
Significant Physical Strain:
- Heavy Standing Work: Traffic control and facility security require continuous standing for long periods, straining the legs and lower back.
- Harsh Outdoor Environment: Working outdoors is mandatory even in extreme heat, cold, or bad weather, leading to accumulated physical fatigue.
Mental Stress and Loneliness:
- Trouble Response: Response to facility intruders, suspicious persons, or mediation of traffic incidents requires strong mental tension due to the element of danger or urgency.
- Lonely Duties: Tasks like facility patrols and monitoring are often performed alone, making staff susceptible to feelings of loneliness and the heavy weight of responsibility.
- Exposure to Risk: The job involves inherent dangers, such as the risk of traffic accidents in traffic control or contact with suspicious individuals in security.
4. Issues with Career Development and Training Systems
The monotonous nature of the work and the lack of clear evaluation systems discourage younger staff from aiming for career growth.
Unclear Career Path:
- Some companies lack clear promotion paths from on-site security guard to control room or management positions.
- The work content is often repetitive, leading to a feeling that opportunities for skill enhancement and growth are limited.
Insufficient Education and Training Systems:
- While legally mandated training exists, on-site instruction may be formalistic, and On-the-Job Training (OJT) can be reliant on individual senior staff.
- Support for maintaining motivation and providing long-term career guidance for younger staff is often lacking.
High Industry Fluidity:
- Since switching between security companies is relatively easy, many staff frequently change jobs in search of better working conditions or compensation.
The Structure of the Vicious Cycle
The Security industry suffers from a vicious cycle: “Low wages and irregular long commitment → Physical and mental exhaustion → Experienced staff quit → The remaining staff must cover the harsh shifts.” Crucially, the lack of compensation commensurate with the heavy labor required during nights and in harsh conditions is a major factor accelerating turnover.
