Management Consulting
Aon
Full Credential Description
Retailers are facing an alarming increase in violence and abuse against their employees, with over 475,000 incidents reported in 2022-23, a significant rise from previous years. This surge not only incurs immediate financial costs but also leads to hidden expenses related to mental health issues, recruitment challenges, and increased insurance premiums. Retailers are urged to take proactive measures to create a safer working environment, which includes refining their recruitment processes to attract candidates suited to the realities of retail work, enhancing employee retention strategies, and implementing comprehensive training programs focused on violence and abuse management. To address these challenges, retailers should conduct a thorough governance review to document risks and establish control measures. This includes identifying employees most at risk and implementing safety protocols such as panic alarms and body cameras. Clear guidelines must be established for employees on how to respond to potential threats, ensuring they are aware of the risks and the appropriate actions to take. Additionally, providing support and counseling for employees after incidents is crucial, as is the inclusion of mental health resources in employee benefits packages. Despite these efforts, the retail sector is projected to face over £50 million in personal injury claims due to violent incidents, highlighting the need for a robust claims defensibility strategy. Retailers must reassess their approach to managing people risk, from recruitment to workplace safety, to mitigate financial and reputational damage. The evolving nature of violence and abuse in retail necessitates a refreshed people risk strategy that prioritizes employee safety and well-being while understanding the broader implications of these incidents on business operations.