With the average person smiling on average of 20 times a day, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise to learn that a Door Supervisor or Security Guard will flash a smile at least a few times throughout the day. The SIA have recognised that the ability to smile while on duty can make a world of difference which is why they just announced the #SecurityWithASmile campaign.
The #SecurityWithASmile campaign encourages SIA licence holders and those working in the security sector to share pictures of themselves or their work colleagues sharing a smile while at work. The aim of the campaign is to highlight the expression of happiness of security operatives at work, with the SIA hoping to gather enough smiles from licence holders to highlight in their monthly newsletter.
Can smiling improve your physical and mental health?
Yes, it’s true, smiling really can benefit both your physical and mental health. According to Gentle Smiles of Colorado, it takes less effort to smile than to frown, with it only taking the work of 13 muscles to flash a smile on your face (compared to the 50 muscles it would take to muster up a frown). And while we may not always be in the mood to smile, forcing yourself to smile when you’re sad can actually improve your mood, while also relieving stress and making you feel happier.
Smiling in the Security sector
While the security sector often has the cliché of the stern-faced Door Supervisor preventing you from entering a premise, more often than not, SIA licence holders are friendly and approachable professionals, often with exceptional people skills and the ability to smile. This is of course a good thing, as it has been proving that smiling is actually incredibly contagious, with a Scandinavian study finding that people had difficulty frowning when they looked at other people who were smiling.
The act of smiling can therefore be a useful tool for Door Supervisors and Security Guards when dealing with the public, especially when trying to defuse a situation that could escalate if not dealt with accordingly.
Smiling in the workplace and sharing a smile with your work colleagues and the public is not only beneficial for your physical and mental well-being, but can also brighten up your day. Smiling is awesome. Try it.
