Concerns about on-the-job safety are pushing more than half of U.S. retail employees to consider leaving their roles within the next year, according to a survey of 1,000 frontline workers by Verkada. It shows that anxiety about violence and threatening behavior has surged as the holiday season approaches — precisely when retailers need seasonal staff the most.
Safety Fears Accelerate, Outpacing Last Year’s Levels
The share of workers who say they feel unsafe at work has climbed sharply to 35%, up from 27% last year. At the same time, 52% say they are likely to quit because of rising threats in stores. The report points to broad increases in hostile encounters:
- Physical assaults are up 22% year over year
- Incidents involving former employees rose 28%
- Conflicts among current coworkers increased 26%
- Nearly 40% worry about theft or harassment during much of their shift
Employees who have directly faced violence are especially shaken; more than half of them have considered walking away from retail entirely.
Hiring Strains Deepen as Turnover Risks Grow
Retailers were already grappling with high churn, but escalating safety concerns are making staffing even more difficult. One in four workers has considered switching industries because of threats on the job, compared with 19% a year earlier.
Store managers report that hiring is becoming more challenging as well, with 49% calling safety fears a barrier — up from 37% in 2024.
This comes as retailers cut back significantly on seasonal hires, leaving stores stretched thin heading into peak shopping weeks.
Industry Leaders Urge Swift Action
Retail organizations stress that safeguarding frontline employees is becoming urgent as stores enter one of the busiest periods of the year. With retail contributing trillions to the U.S. economy and supporting millions of jobs, leaders warn that unresolved safety issues could impact both workforce stability and the in-store shopping experience.
The report’s authors say the findings highlight the need for more effective, less disruptive security solutions that protect workers without alienating customers.
