Unlocking Performance in the Security Sector: Insights from Sarah Hayes on the People and Performance Podcast
If you’re curious about how HR plays a pivotal role in driving success in the security sector, then this episode of the People and Performance Podcast is one you won’t want to miss. In this conversation, Sarah Hayes, HR Director at Securitas UK and Co-founder of Running on Empty, shares her wealth of knowledge and experience, revealing strategies to maximize both individual and organizational performance.
With over 25 years of experience in HR, Sarah has become an influential voice in the field, having worked in senior positions across a variety of industries such as retail, financial services, and railways. She is an award-winning fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and for the last eight years, she has been applying her expertise at Securitas UK. For the past four years, she has served as the HR Director, guiding the organization through a period of immense change.
Leading Through Change: A COVID-19 Success Story
One of the key highlights of Sarah’s journey with Securitas UK has been her leadership through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. During a time of global upheaval, she not only ensured that the business continued to operate smoothly but also introduced significant advancements in the development and well-being of its people. Under her leadership, Securitas UK expanded access to learning for all employees, launched leadership development programs for managers, and implemented a comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategy that earned the company recognition as a finalist in multiple industry awards.
This commitment to continuous development and inclusion is at the heart of Sarah’s approach. She emphasizes that HR is not just about managing people but also about fostering environments where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. She brings a passion for diversity, inclusion, and belonging to every conversation, and her leadership in these areas is transforming the workplace culture at Securitas UK.
Training and Development in the Age of AI
During the podcast, Sarah delves into one of the most pressing challenges facing the security sector today: staying relevant in the face of rapid technological changes, including the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Sarah shares how Securitas UK invests in training and development to ensure that their employees’ skills remain current, with a particular focus on leadership and adaptability. Securitas is not just reacting to the changes brought about by AI; they are actively embracing the technology to enhance their operations and improve service delivery.
Sarah highlights the importance of adopting AI in ways that complement human skills, rather than replace them. For instance, while AI can help with certain security tasks, human insight and decision-making remain critical. By offering continuous learning opportunities, Securitas ensures that its workforce is not only equipped to handle today’s challenges but also prepared for the future.
A Commitment to the HR Community
Beyond her role at Securitas UK, Sarah’s dedication to the HR community is evident in her involvement with initiatives like Disrupt Cambridge. In the podcast, she explains why Securitas is proud to host a special edition of this innovative HR event at their headquarters in Milton Keynes. For Sarah, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices within the HR community is key to driving progress across the industry.
In this episode of People and Performance, Sarah Hayes offers a wealth of practical insights for HR professionals and business leaders alike. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of a post-pandemic workforce or grappling with the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, Sarah’s expertise and passion for people-centric leadership will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take action.
Make sure to tune in to hear more about her journey, the exciting developments at Securitas UK, and how HR can truly drive performance in the security sector!
You must be logged in to post a comment.