Retail Trust questions one thousand retail staff

Body worn cameras help employees feel safer in the workplace! That is the finding from The Retail Trust. This article explains the background and the results in more detail.

Violence against retail staff has increased considerably in the last decade. Many staff, classed as essential workers during the pandemic and hailed as heroes, have responded to say they believe incidents have literally doubled in the last 2 years. Consequently, body worn cameras are being rolled out by retailers to protect their employees.

A survey by Retail Trust in 2022 questioned a thousand retail staff. They found that two thirds believed that verbal and physical attacks had increased significantly in the last two years. Additionally, over two thirds of respondents reported stress and anxiety about going to work as a result of this. Finally, almost 50% of those key members of staff had considered resigning.

With inflation soaring, shoppers are getting increasingly more frustrated with prices. With new trade barriers in force, stock levels on certain products have reduced, and other products are unavailable at times.

Consequently, a trial began with 1,000 UK retail outlets to test the effectiveness of body worn cameras. The key first finding was very clear – they act as a deterrent. 81% said body worn cameras improved their safety. Other benefits include helping to diffuse potentially volatile situations. It became evident that people display lower levels of aggression if they believe they are being filmed. 72% of respondents said they felt safer wearing them. Finally, they can provide high-resolution close-up evidence if legal proceedings are required. Also, a calmer work setting encourages more customers into the store and helps to make them want to stay longer.

The results of this trial have led to more retailers incorporating body worn cameras into their security mix. Safety of workers is paramount alongside preventing loss of stock and ensuring staff wellbeing and productivity. One store saw a 55% drop in incidents after deploying body worn cameras.

IMC stocks a wide range of body-worn cameras. The Hytera VM580D, SC580, GC550 and VM780 are market-leading body worn cameras which can be used as stand-alone solutions, or as part of a complete security/communication system.

If you want to see how body worn cameras improve your workplace safety, morale and how they reduce incidents, you can apply for IMC’s trial. It comes complete with body worn cameras, training, support plus some before and after questionnaires to see the results for yourself!

Trial units are limited, so book now to guarantee your trial or request a full demonstration today! Simply call 0800 626 102