As the holiday season approaches, the retail industry braces for its busiest and most challenging period of the year.
The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Retail Association (NRA) recognises the immense pressures faced by business owners during this time, compounded by high interest rates, increasing rents, conservative consumer spending, and rising wages.
Amidst these challenges, we ask governments to make the safety and well-being of retail workers a top priority ahead of the busy sales season. With the skyrocketing cost of doing business, government intervention is more crucial than ever.
The holiday season, marked by events like Black Friday and Christmas sales, brings a significant surge in customer traffic and sales.
While this period offers opportunities for increased revenue, it also presents heightened risks. Retail workers often bear the brunt of customer aggression and violence, which can escalate during the stress of holiday shopping. For many retailers, especially those unable to afford advanced security measures, this can lead to severe consequences.
Government policies and regulations can mandate the implementation of Work Protection Orders (WPOs) to protect retail workers from harassment, threats, and violence. By enforcing these measures, the government can help create a safer working environment, reducing the risk of physical and emotional harm to employees.
Incidents of customer aggression can result in costly damages, both in terms of property and potential legal liabilities.
Customer aggression and violence in retail settings is a significant issue, costing businesses in Australia billions annually. According to a Griffith University report, retail crime, which includes customer aggression, costs the Australian economy about $3.37 billion a year.
This figure represents a 28% increase over four years. Customer theft alone accounts for a substantial portion of these losses, with estimates suggesting it makes up over 50% of the revenue lost from stores due to crime.
For small and medium-sized retailers already struggling with financial pressures, these additional costs can be devastating. Government support in the form of subsidies or grants for security measures can help mitigate these risks in the short term, but customers need to understand that this kind of behaviour is not tolerated by businesses, law enforcement, the justice system, and the state.
A safe and secure workplace is essential for maintaining high levels of productivity and customer service. When employees feel protected, they are more likely to perform their duties effectively, contributing to a smoother and more efficient operation during the busy holiday season.
The mental well-being of retail workers is just as important as their physical safety. Exposure to aggressive behaviour can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. Government-mandated WPOs offer a proactive approach to safeguarding employees’ mental health, ensuring they feel valued and supported.
The NRA urges the government to take immediate action to protect retail workers as we enter the holiday season. By implementing and enforcing Work Protection Orders, providing financial support for security measures, and prioritising the safety and well-being of retail employees, we can collectively ensure a safer, more secure environment for our retail workers. We ask governments to work with the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Retail Association to make this holiday season not only profitable but also safe and supportive for everyone involved.
Lindsay Carroll
Interim CEO – ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Retail Association
