The Business Case for Training: Why Investing in Your Building Staff Pays Dividends
In today’s complex building environments, the effectiveness of a fire safety program is not just measured by the systems installed, but by the people entrusted to manage them.
Building staff—concierge teams, security personnel, superintendents and managers are on the front lines of occupant safety every day.
Yet, far too often, organizations overlook a simple truth: An informed and professionally trained team is your building’s most valuable safety asset.
Training Transforms Responsibilities into Competence
Building staff are given critical responsibilities under Ontario’s Fire Code and municipal regulations. They are expected to understand life safety systems, ensure compliance with fire safety plans, contribute to daily, weekly and monthly internal fire code checks and inspections, and respond effectively in the event of an emergency.
But assigning responsibilities is different from “preparing” staff to fulfill them.
Professional training bridges this gap. Through structured learning, staff transition from “being aware” of their duties to confidently understanding the how, why, and when of fire safety operations. They become equipped to recognize issues before they escalate, respond decisively under pressure, and support both residents and emergency services in critical moments.
Professional Development Builds Organizational Resilience
Beyond compliance, investing in staff training yields operational benefits that extend across the community:
Operational Readiness: A trained team ensures that fire safety plans are not just documents on a shelf, but living programs actively managed, tested, improved and implemented.
Reduced Liability: Demonstrating that staff are certified and up to date on fire safety training requirements provides a defensible position in regulatory inspections, insurance reviews, and legal matters. Both the Ontario Fire Code and OHSA require the building owner to ensure this training is completed.
Enhanced Team Morale: Providing professional development opportunities signals to staff that their roles are valued, leading to greater engagement, accountability, and retention.
Reputational Strength: Residents, owners, and visitors feel more secure knowing that building personnel are knowledgeable and proactive in life safety matters. Share the news of any accredited training completed at your building with residents, tenants and employers operating in the building.
Training is Not a One-Time Event for Ontario High-Rises—It is an Ongoing Standard
Fire safety programs in Ontario’s high-rise residential buildings are not static. They require ongoing attention, with the Ontario Fire Code mandating fire drills and testing every three months. This frequency reflects a larger operational truth: fire safety training is not a one-time event—it must be a continuous investment woven into daily building operations.
“We prioritize continuous training to foster a culture where safety is embedded in daily operations,” says Kumar Singh, Operations Manager at MENRES.
“Beyond compliance, our residents are thrilled to hear about this training investment. It reassures them that our team is ready, informed, and committed to their safety.
Recently, MENRES, in partnership with their Condominium Corporation, certified its entire building operations and security team through Ontario’s only accredited training program for residential building teams. This certification did not just tick a regulatory box—it empowered staff with a clearer understanding of their critical roles.
“The training not only opened the eyes of our staff, but it also reinforced the why behind our procedures,” says Anatalia Moore, Manager of The Adagio, a 25-storey tower in the heart of Toronto.
“Our team now fully understands that we all play a role in community safety, and that knowledge translates into more confident, proactive service for our residents.”
Training building staff is more than a compliance exercise, it is a strategic investment in a team’s competence, confidence, and professional pride. Informed personnel reduce operational risks, enhance emergency readiness, contribute directly to the well-being of residents and the protection of property assets. Organizations that recognize the professional development of their staff as a business imperative, not a checkbox, set themselves apart as leaders in operational excellence and occupant safety.
About National Life Safety Group
At NLS Group, we specialize in delivering comprehensive training and professional development programs tailored to Fire Safety, Emergency Management, Physical Security, and Occupational Health and Safety (OHSA).
Our expert-led courses equip your team with the essential knowledge and skills to confidently manage today’s complex safety challenges, ensuring full compliance and preparedness in emergency situations.
We specialize in integrating Fire Engineering, Safety, and Emergency Management strategies to enhance resilience, ensure compliance, and deliver impactful results for our clients.
National Life Safety Group
Leadership in Fire Engineering, Safety & Emergency Management