#United States #retail safety #San Mateo, California #Workplace Violence #Job Retention

Increasing Violence in Retail: A Growing Threat to Workers

Recent findings from the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) and Verkada highlight a disturbing rise in violence within brick-and-mortar retail environments. As the busy holiday shopping season approaches, more than half of retail employees (52%) express intentions to leave their positions within the next year, largely due to safety concerns.

The Alarming Statistics

The report, titled State of Retail Safety, showcases a significant uptick in violent incidents reported by retail workers. In 2024, 27% of employees reported feeling unsafe at work, a number that has now climbed to 35%. Furthermore, reports of physical assaults have surged by 22%, while aggressive behaviors from former or current colleagues increased by 28% and 26%, respectively. Nearly 40% of retail workers worry about theft and verbal harassment every time they step into their workplace.

With such a high turnover rate already plaguing the industry, the growing fear of violence exacerbates the situation. A quarter of retail workers, or 25%, have considered seeking employment elsewhere due to safety worries. Those who have encountered violent situations are even more inclined to seek new opportunities, with 53% contemplating a job change. Gender disparities also emerge, with male employees (63%) more likely than female colleagues (39%) to consider quitting because of safety issues.

Impact on Retail Management

Store managers are particularly affected by these trends. Almost half (49%) of them report that safety concerns hinder their hiring processes, a significant rise from 37% in 2024. This labor shortage could have dire implications for the retail sector, which plays a critical role in America's economy, contributing $5.3 trillion annually to the GDP and supporting more than a quarter of the nation’s workforce.

The Paradox of Theft Prevention Tools

Curiously, while many retailers deploy physical theft prevention strategies like locked cabinets and checkout gates, nearly half (46%) of employees find these measures more disruptive than beneficial. According to the data, 59% believe that these tools hamper their job efficiency. Customers echo these sentiments, with 60% of surveyed U.S. adults agreeing that such security measures disrupt their shopping experiences more than they deter crime.

Retail workers in settings equipped with these theft prevention strategies report elevated violence levels across numerous metrics. Frustration from customers, as they navigate these obstacles, often leads to confrontations. Alarmingly, 54% of verbal threats retail workers face originate from irate customers reacting to security measures.

The Urgent Need for Solutions

Read Hayes, the Executive Director of the Loss Prevention Research Council, asserts that protecting retail associates is paramount for maintaining industry stability. "No one should have to feel unsafe at their job, especially those at the front lines of our economy," he emphasized. Alana O'Grady Lauk, Vice President of Public Affairs at Verkada, stressed that as the busy shopping season approaches, the urgency to implement protective measures for retail employees is higher than ever.

The recent survey was conducted in collaboration with The Harris Poll, which gathered insights from 1,000 retail workers and 2,066 American adults concerning their shopping experiences and perceptions of safety measures in retail. The report highlights the pressing need for comprehensive strategies aimed at ensuring the safety and security of both retail workers and shoppers alike.

Looking Ahead

As we move closer to a peak shopping period, retailers must reassess their strategies surrounding employee safety. Enhancing workplace conditions, rethinking theft prevention measures, and fostering an environment where retail workers feel secure can help improve job retention and enhance customer satisfaction. For the health of the industry and the well-being of its employees, immediate action is imperative.