Project

Makers of security: working conditions and wellbeing at work in the security sector – TURVA

Workers in the security guarding sector play a key role in maintaining the security of society, and their work is often both physically and mentally demanding. Challenges to wellbeing at work may weaken their work ability, also jeopardizing the success of their work and ultimately affecting public safety. Different workload factors can reduce attention and the ability to make decisions, which can be critical in the security sector. In this study, we examine the key features and development needs of the security sector in Finland, focusing on workers in the guarding sector and other experts in the sector.

Turvallisuusalan työntekijät katsovat monitorointiruutua valvomossa. Toinen työntekijöistä osoittaa sormella ruutua.

Timetable

8/2025–12/2025

Objectives

Security workers carry out a wide range of tasks and play a key role in the management of comprehensive security. Their work often includes many simultaneous stress factors, such as shift work, harassment and violent situations, working alone, and ethical and physical strain. In addition, the pay is low, and the sector suffers from a shortage of labour.

In the past few years, no research on the wellbeing and working conditions of persons working in the security sector has been conducted in Finland. Research in other countries, especially in Europe, has also been limited. Research is needed to better understand the factors affecting security workers’ wellbeing at work and to develop ways to improve it.

The objectives of this study are to:

Review the field of operation in which security workers work in Finland.
Identify the key features of the field of operation (working conditions, workload factors, labour market situations) from security workers’ perspective.
Identify the key development needs and opportunities for development in the field of operation in different areas (workplaces, training, policies and legislation).
Identify the key needs for further research.

Data and methods

In the project, we will conduct individual and group interviews with the key actors of the sector, such as security workers, employer representatives, trainers, client employers, representatives of the legislator, and representatives of employer and employee associations. In addition, we will conduct a literature review to also obtain information on the security sector from an international point of view.