USA 
United Kingdom
With the holiday season fast approaching, the safety concerns of American retail workers are rising and a new survey from Motorola Solutions reveals that more than half are apprehensive about personal safety.
Some 57% report feeling unsafe in the workplace due to increasing incidents of theft, violence, and understaffing. The findings show the need for stronger safety measures and protections, particularly for temporary seasonal staff who bolster retail workforces at this time of year.
The annual US Retail Worker Safety Report, compiled by independent research firm Researchscape, surveyed more than 1,000 retail employees and managers in September 2024.
The majority of respondents reported experiencing a rise in store theft, grab-and-run incidents, and hostile interactions with customers, which have added to worker anxieties. Physical assaults on staff were also reported by 10% of respondents, highlighting a trend of escalating aggression in stores.
“Retail crime has been steadily increasing, and in some cases, it has become even more violent,” said Sharon Hong, Motorola Solutions’ Vice President of Ecosystem Solutions. “As we enter peak shopping season, it’s clear that security technology can play an essential role in reducing incidents and improving worker safety.”
Rise in shoplifting
The report identifies theft and understaffing as two of the primary safety issues that retail workers face. Incidents of petty theft, grab-and-runs, and aggressive confrontations with customers have climbed over the past year, with 66% of employees noting increases in shoplifting says the report.
An uptick in retail crime has led to more frequent calls for emergency assistance, with more than 20% of respondents stating that police and EMS services are summoned to their stores at least once per week, marking a 16% increase over 2023.
Seasonal understaffing exacerbates these safety concerns, with 65% of retail employees expecting stores to be short-staffed this holiday season, potentially leaving workers vulnerable and isolated during busy shifts. Two-thirds of those who anticipate understaffing (68%) said it worsens their feelings of insecurity on the job, while half expressed concerns for the safety of both staff and customers under such conditions.
To counter rising crime, the report suggests that technological solutions, such as access control systems, panic buttons, and body cameras, could help retail workers feel safer. Relatively few retailers, however, currently employ these tools. Only 12% said their stores are equipped with access control, while only 9% have access to panic buttons, 7% to license plate readers, and 6% body cameras.
Keeping employees safe
Nonetheless, the demand for such technology is clear, with nearly half of respondents believing that body cameras could deter aggressive behavior. Additionally, 66% of retail employees said body cameras could improve incident response and investigations, helping both staff and store management better understand security breaches and potential threats.
Cory Lowe, Ph.D., Director of Research at the Loss Prevention Research Council, highlighted the shifting nature of retail crime. “We’ve seen crime in retail evolve — becoming more organized and, importantly, more violent,” he said. “Violence is a critical concern for nearly every loss prevention leader we engage with. Keeping employees and customers safe is the foundation for any retail business. If safety can’t be assured, retail workers may be less likely to return for future shifts or accept holiday positions in the first place.”
With a rise in retail crime and seasonal understaffing issues, it’s essential that temporary and seasonal workers are afforded the same security protocols as permanent staff, ensuring a safe work environment across all roles. Strong safety measures not only protect workers but also contribute to business stability by building trust with employees and customers alike. As retail hiring scales up for the holidays, maintaining a secure workplace is both a strategic and oeprational necessity.
