In the world of retail, Associate Safety and Security is paramount, and the challenges faced by frontline workers are real. Rising incidents of Organized Retail Crime (ORC) and in-store aggression have become all too common.
8 out of 10 retailers noting an uptick in violence. Shockingly, 86% of workers report experiencing physical threats. The result? Plummeting morale and reduced productivity due to safety concerns.
Associate Safety and Security incidents come at a hefty cost. Legal settlements related to workplace violence average around $500,000, while theft incidents add up to $461 per incident. Addressing safety threats non-confrontationally is crucial, but without instant communication and access to safety reminders, situations can quickly spiral out of control.
Enter Theatro’s groundbreaking Personal Safety Alert workflow. Now, every store team member can discreetly alert store leadership when they feel unsafe in real-time. Using a simple code word on their mobile Communicator or discreet button presses, employees can notify leadership discreetly. Theatro’s Intelligent Virtual Assistant (TIVA) promptly informs store leadership, who can respond with a reassuring “copy that.” Within moments, TIVA assures the distressed employee that help is on the way. TIVA can also provide instant guidance during safety crises, including reminders not to engage and specific safety protocols.
Retailers bear a significant financial burden when addressing Associate Safety and Security incidents, but the human cost is even higher.
Unchecked theft, employee resentment, and plummeting morale can damage the shopping experience and brand image.
Safety concerns have significantly contributed to high retail turnover rates, which hit 5% in 2022. Alarmingly, 40% of retail associates feel less safe than a year ago, and many have contemplated leaving their positions. This turnover is expensive, costing an average of $4,896 to recruit and train replacements. In today’s competitive job market, creating a safe retail environment is a top priority.
While retailers can’t always prevent violence, they can reduce its impact on employees by fostering connection, simplifying notifications, and increasing safety awareness. When employees feel safe, retention rates soar, and fear and low morale decrease, creating a noticeable difference in the customer experience.
Ready to transform safety and streamline processes? Reach out today and make your retail environment safer and more efficient with Theatro!
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