Message #74981

[gee4]

Hi,

When visitors enter my company's premises they are greeted by 2 security guys.  We only have a receptionist assist them in the mornings until about 10/11am.  All visitors are asked to turn off their mobile phones and in some cases they must surrender these if they are camera phones.  We are not allowed camera phones on site and that goes for our employees also.

Because of the nature of our business, we are extremely security conscious so we must follow our company policy on "Ways of Working".

Here are a few tips...

- try being a little more assertive to gain visitor's attention
- raise your voice a little
- use the following phrases
  - If I could just have your attention for a few minutes...
  - I need to explain/go through a few things...
  - I need to remind you that...
  - Sir would you mind turning off your mobile phone for a second while I go through security with you...
  - Madam I have some routine questions to ask before we issue your security pass...

After all think about yourself and the places you call or visit.  We all go through security questions every day in order to speak to the bank about our finances or a department store to place an order.

Sometimes women in general are more likely to be ignored depending on the set up - speak up, be assertive.  Our security guys wear a uniform, all visitors report to them on entering and leaving our site.  Visitors are collected by their meeting host after they have gone through security and been issued with a security pass.

Do you have signs on your reception desk?  Might be an idea to think of some main points, print and laminate them and display where visitors can view.  Do you have a health and safety leaflet you hand out?  Many companies are obliged to hand these out and ask each visitor to read it for their own safety.

There are many ways of distracting visitors to ensure they go through all the necessary security checks.  They may not like it but it's how most companies operate these days.