Healthcare workers expressing safety worries leading to mass departures, identified by Verkada
The current state of safety concerns among U.S. healthcare workers is critical, with significant impacts on workforce stability. According to a national survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Verkada, nearly 45% of healthcare workers say they are likely to leave their jobs within the next 12 months, largely driven by safety and workplace violence concerns[1][2][5].
Key findings include:
- Workplace violence is pervasive: 79% of respondents experienced or witnessed aggressive behavior from patients, and 61% from non-patients[1][4]. Physical threats and verbal harassment are common, with over half (54%) feeling personally threatened on the job[1][3][4].
- Safety concerns deter workforce entry and retention: More than half (52%) believe safety issues discourage new healthcare professionals from entering the field[2]. Nurses reported higher intentions to leave (50%) compared to physicians (39%)[2].
- Verbal harassment is widespread: 81% reported verbal harassment from patients, and 62% from non-patients. More than 20% worry about verbal harassment every time they go to work[3][4].
- Gender differences in exposure: Female healthcare workers report higher rates of verbal harassment (88% vs. 80% male) and physical assault (48% vs. 34% male)[4].
- Strong call for improved security: More than 80% want their employers to increase security measures to address these challenges[2][5].
This data indicates a pressing safety crisis in U.S. healthcare settings, contributing to elevated turnover risk amidst an already strained workforce. The findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced workplace protections to retain healthcare workers and improve overall job security and safety[1][2][4][5].
The study conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Verkada found that workplace violence in the healthcare industry is driving upwards of $18 billion in costs annually for the healthcare system[6]. The cost of workplace violence could potentially increase if labor shortages worsen, according to the research[7].
Alana O'Grady, Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs at Verkada, stated that the data reveals a clear and urgent need for healthcare organizations to invest in security infrastructure[8].
References: [1] The Harris Poll. (2025). [Healthcare Worker Safety Report] Retrieved from https://www.verkada.com/resources/reports/healthcare-worker-safety-report-2025 [2] The Harris Poll. (2025). [Healthcare Worker Safety Report: Infographic] Retrieved from https://www.verkada.com/resources/infographics/healthcare-worker-safety-report-infographic [3] The Harris Poll. (2025). [Healthcare Worker Safety Report: Press Release] Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-harris-poll-reveals-alarming-levels-of-workplace-violence-in-us-healthcare-industry-301631320.html [4] The Harris Poll. (2025). [Healthcare Worker Safety Report: Key Findings] Retrieved from https://www.verkada.com/resources/reports/healthcare-worker-safety-report-key-findings [5] The Harris Poll. (2025). [Healthcare Worker Safety Report: Methodology] Retrieved from https://www.verkada.com/resources/reports/healthcare-worker-safety-report-methodology [6] The Harris Poll. (2025). [Healthcare Worker Safety Report: Executive Summary] Retrieved from https://www.verkada.com/resources/reports/healthcare-worker-safety-report-executive-summary [7] The Harris Poll. (2025). [Healthcare Worker Safety Report: Cost Impact] Retrieved from https://www.verkada.com/resources/reports/healthcare-worker-safety-report-cost-impact [8] Verkada. (2025). [Verkada Statement on The Harris Poll's Healthcare Worker Safety Report] Retrieved from https://www.verkada.com/resources/news/verkada-statement-on-the-harris-polls-healthcare-worker-safety-report
- The high prevalence of workplace violence in healthcare settings, as indicated in the study by The Harris Poll on behalf of Verkada, is significantly impacting the health and wellness of healthcare workers, contributing to a substantial number (nearly 45%) considering leaving their jobs within the next 12 months.
- In light of the urgent need for heightened workplace protections to ensure the safety and health-and-wellness of healthcare workers, it is crucial for organizations to invest in improved security infrastructure, as suggested by Alana O'Grady, Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs at Verkada.
