Industry-first study offers dual perspectives on contract security providers and in‑house teams, revealing critical workforce trends, tech adoption gaps, and the convergence of physical and cybersecurity.
Trackforce, the leading provider of security workforce management platforms, announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations.
“The data shows that security officers remain both the backbone of the industry and its biggest challenge,” said Byron McDuffee, CEO, Trackforce. “Turnover, wage pressure, and rising costs are straining providers, while the role of the officer is also shifting toward becoming a tech-enabled partner in risk management. This report was created to highlight those realities and give leaders a clear reference point to guide stronger retention strategies, smarter use of technology, and better preparation for the future of security.”
The study highlights several critical trends shaping security operations in 2025.
Highlights from Security Service Providers
Retention continues to dominate as the industry’s top concern, with over 40% of firms citing turnover as their biggest challenge. Providers are under mounting pressure from rising wages and non-billable overtime, even as many work to modernize operations through technology. Despite these pressures, a surprising 47% of providers are not yet using AI or automation tools, revealing a significant technology gap that could widen competitive divides across the industry.
Highlights from Enterprise Security Teams
Corporate security teams are taking on broader mandates that extend beyond traditional protection roles. Roughly two-thirds now oversee health and safety functions, and more than half are involved in facilities management. However, only 28% say they feel confident managing risks that span both physical and digital domains, emphasizing the growing need for integrated security strategies. Despite rapid response times, alert fatigue and manual compliance tasks continue to weigh teams down.
“Security leaders are being asked to manage more responsibilities with fewer resources, while also preparing for threats that span both physical and digital domains,” explained McDuffee. “The findings make it clear that the future depends on integrated platforms, smarter automation, and stronger collaboration between providers and enterprises in a rapidly changing environment.”
Looking ahead, the security industry is shifting toward a model that blends human expertise with advanced technology. Security guards are becoming tech-enabled partners in risk management, while enterprises demand unified platforms with real-time visibility across both physical and digital environments. AI adoption, cyber-physical convergence, and workforce stabilization will define the next decade. Organizations that act now to integrate these capabilities will be best positioned to withstand pressures and build lasting operational resilience.
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