As the holiday shopping season looms, safety concerns among retail workers in Australia and New Zealand are reaching new heights. A recent report from Motorola Solutions reveals that nearly one in three retail employees are anxious about the risks they face during the busy season, with many contemplating leaving their jobs due to safety concerns.
The Australia and New Zealand Retail Worker Safety Report found that 32 percent of retail staff are apprehensive about incidents such as shoplifting, “grab and runs,” and hostile customer interactions. This has led many workers to question their roles in the sector, with a significant portion contemplating quitting as a result.
Martin Chappell, Managing Director of Motorola Solutions’ Asia Pacific channel sales, emphasized that these findings reflect growing concerns within the retail industry. He echoed the calls of retail associations in both countries, urging for more robust measures to safeguard not just workers, but also customers.
“As we enter the peak shopping season, retail workers in Australia and New Zealand are deeply worried about the potential for crime and confrontational customer behavior, which can have severe physical and psychological effects,” Chappell said.
The report highlights several common incidents that contribute to this unease. Shoplifting was the most frequently reported issue, affecting 71 percent of retail workers, followed by hostile customer interactions (51 percent), and “grab and run” thefts (43 percent). Additionally, 20 percent of workers have encountered organised retail crime groups, and 16 percent reported experiencing physical attacks by customers.
In response to these challenges, retail staff and managers are calling for increased use of security technologies to address these threats. Key tools such as mobile safety apps, body cameras, and systems that enable real-time video surveillance are seen as crucial in preventing theft and de-escalating customer conflicts.
A majority of workers, 54 percent, believe that body cameras would significantly enhance their safety, with 47 percent citing them as a deterrent to aggressive or criminal behavior in stores. These technologies are also believed to improve the overall feeling of security among staff members, helping to create a safer environment during the high-pressure retail period.
Chappell added that the data collected in the report will be vital for shaping future industry strategies, guiding policy makers and authorities in their efforts to implement effective safety measures.
“The insights gathered can inform the retail sector on the strategies, investments, and technological solutions needed to create a safer working environment for everyone involved,” he concluded.
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