Shouldering unacceptable risks: Crime drives retail workers to leave, new research finds

SAN MATEO, Calif. and GAINESVILLE, Fla. — More than four in 10 retail workers in the U.S. say they are likely to leave their current job in the next 12 months due to personal safety concerns, according to research conducted by the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) in partnership with Verkada. 

Findings in the “State of Retail Safety Report” reveal the challenges facing retail workers and offer a blueprint for addressing them. 

"Safety is a fundamental right, and we have a responsibility to protect the 55 million Americans who work in retail," said Alana O'Grady Lauk, vice president of public affairs at Verkada. "This study underscores the importance of not only investing in security infrastructure but also creating a culture where retail workers feel valued, protected and heard." 

According to the report, more than one in four (27%) retail workers reported feeling unsafe at work. That may stem from the fact that more than half (54%) of retail workers experienced customer aggression or harassment. Despite those threats, the report notes that nearly one in four (22%) retail workers say their workplace has minimal to no security and 62% say that their company hasn't changed the level of security measures in the last 12 months. 

Retail workers believe better security would help, the report says. Nearly three in four (71%) retail workers who have experienced some type of violence at work say they would feel safer with enhanced security measures. Those same respondents say that theft (77%), robbery (76%) and physical assaults (61%) could have been prevented had better security been in place. 

The consequences of failing to address those security concerns have influenced hiring and retention, the report goes on to assert. Nearly 20% of retail workers report they have considered looking for a new job due to personal safety concerns. And they are motivated: 40% report they are likely to leave their current job in the next 12 months due to personal safety concerns; 37% of store managers agree that concerns about safety are a barrier to hiring. 

"Retail is a cornerstone of the economy, supporting one in four American jobs,” said Read Hayes, Ph.D., executive director of the Loss Prevention Research Council. “The unfortunate reality is that today, retail workers are being asked to shoulder unacceptable risks every time they clock into work.” 

Security Systems News asked Hayes how retailers should address the security concerns of their workers. 

“Retailers are working to further secure their places by increasing parking lot lighting and surveillance like the mobile camera platforms and/or patrols,” he said. “Obvious outside and inside CCTV cameras still deter some offenders while documenting crime and disorder for prosecution and crime prevention improvement.” 

He continued, “Inside stores, retailers are making aisles and corners more visible and using annunciators to startle possible offenders while helping shoppers and employees stay situationally aware. Some retailers are asking their employees (to) wear small body-worn safety cameras that may deter aggression and allow the employee to activate the camera if they feel threatened. Other stores are using facial feature recognition to alert them to a possible threat so they can take protective measures.” 

The full report can be found here.