Rachel Cunningham
There is a growing concern among businesses in Ireland about the impact of criminal activity on staff.
New research released last week by by Amárach Research on behalf of Netwatch Security has indicated that 64 per cent of those surveyed in Dublin were victims of crime in the past year.
Staff intimidation or abuse was cited by 39 per cent of business in Dublin as the most common form of criminal activity they were most concerned about, higher than the national average of 37 per cent.
When asked which crimes relating to physical premises or staff were of most concern, Dublin businesses mentioned assaults at 27 per cent.
The research highlighted that criminal activity had profound psychological and physical effects on staff members of the businesses affected.
Nationally, 23 per cent experienced a loss of staff or a need for leaves of absence due to criminal activity, up from seven per cent of businesses in 2021.
Leisha McGrath, a work and occupational psychologist who reviewed the report, emphasised the importance of psychological safety in the workplace and the financial impact of staff well-being:
“The personal and psychological safety of employees should always be of concern for employers, especially where there is any risk of criminal activity or socially undesirable behaviour directed at them,” said MsMcGrath.
“There is a direct correlation between an organisation actively ensuring a culture of safety and support, and its ability to attract, engage and retain staff. No one should ever feel unsafe at work.
“Safe and supported employees are more productive, and are more likely to stay with the organisation, and to speak positively about their employer outside of work.”
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