Study: Most retail workers feel unsafe; want better planning, security

A wide majority of retailer workers feel unsafe on the job. 

Eighty-percent of retail workers are “scared every day” as they clock in for work, and 72% have experienced incidents in which staff couldn’t respond to a threat because their store was understaffed, according to the 2024 Retail Worker Safety Survey, conducted by Theatro by third-party platform Pollfish.

More than six-in-10 (62%) of workers surveyed said they feel ill-equipped to deal with difficult situations, and 51% rate their store’s technology as only slightly or moderately effective. A majority of in-store workers think their store would be safer if leadership solicited feedback from in-store workers, yet 23% said they hadn’t been involved in any capacity in safety and security planning for their store.

“In-store workers are the backbone of the retail industry, bringing the heart, soul, and connection that transforms customers into loyal brand advocates,” said Chris Todd, CEO at Theatro. “This survey exposes the dangers these frontline employees face daily as they work tirelessly to keep our stores safe and secure, and outlines a clear path for what the industry must do to respond.”

According to the survey, 37% of workers reported spotting the need for discrete emergency alert systems, and 31% reported wanting communication devices with established code works for emergency situations. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of retail workers are considering leaving their jobs, and 64% would consider suing their employer over a store crime incident.

“Ensuring employees feel safe, valued, and protected is not just a moral obligation; it’s a business imperative that drives customer satisfaction and loyalty,” said Todd. “Now is the time for retailers to prioritize training, communicate proactively, and audit communication solutions and processes, knowing that an investment in worker safety is an investment in the organization’s long-term success.”

The survey included 600 in-store retail workers aged 18+ in the top 15 metropolitan areas across the United States.