Ensuring Safety in Retail: The Growing Demand for Panic Buttons
In the fast-paced world of retail, safety is becoming a paramount concern for workers. Recent surveys and reports highlight a troubling rise in workplace violence and harassment, making it clear that more protective measures are necessary.
Duress and McDonald's: A Partnership for Safety
At Duress, we understand these challenges deeply, which is why we are thrilled to announce our recent partnership with McDonald's across Australia and New Zealand, equipping their locations with our Duress panic buttons.
The Stark Reality of Retail Worker Safety
A recent study by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) revealed that a staggering 88% of retail workers would feel safer with a panic button at their workplace. This statistic is a clear call to action. Over half of the surveyed employees reported experiencing verbal harassment or intimidating behaviour in the past year, and a significant 80% expressed concerns about potential active shooter situations.
Despite these alarming figures, only a small fraction of businesses have taken steps to enhance safety post-incident, and more than half of the workers have received no training on handling situations like shoplifting. This lack of preparation leaves employees vulnerable and anxious, a situation that Duress is committed to changing.
The Role of Duress Panic Buttons in Enhancing Safety
Our Duress panic buttons are designed to offer a discreet yet powerful tool for workers to signal for help. The simple, connected, and protected nature of our technology means that help is just a button press away, bringing peace of mind to those on the front lines of retail.
At Duress, we believe that safety is not just a luxury but a fundamental right for workers. Our technology is not only beneficial for retail environments but is also crucial for other industries with frontline and essential workers, such as healthcare, hospitality, and education to name a few.
The increasing demand for safety measures like panic buttons is a clear indicator of the current climate in retail and other customer-facing industries.
For businesses looking to enhance their safety protocols, adopting Duress panic buttons is a proactive step towards safeguarding their employees. In today's world, being prepared and connected can make all the difference in ensuring the well-being of those who serve us every day.