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Human-Centric Loss Prevention: Enhancing Employee Morale Amidst Retail Crime Challenges
February 27, 2024
Miranda Reyes

Retail crime extends beyond financial loss; it’s an issue that impacts real individuals. From grab-and-run incidents and vandalism to the harrowing rise of violence, retail crime incidents have escalated to a point where they pose a serious threat to the safety and morale of retail employees nationwide.

Recent statistics shed light on the alarming reality of assaults and an unsafe work environment. In 2022, 81% of respondents reported an increase in violence from offenders, and in 2023, more than 67% witnessed even higher levels of aggression. These findings highlight the importance of prioritizing the well-being and morale of your team, just as you would safeguard your merchandise.

Here’s the conundrum: while the industry scrambles through vast volumes of data and numbers for strategic mitigation of retail crime, the human aspect of retail crime often gets relegated to a footnote. ALTO is transforming the landscape, emphasizing the importance of employee morale in its asset protection approach, and recognizing, quite simply, that retail crime is a people crime.

As the industry confronts the multifaceted challenge of retail crime, the clear directive is to adopt a strategy that bridges the digital and human elements cohesively. ALTO’s methodology is rooted in the belief that a comprehensive approach to asset protection is one that doesn’t overlook the emotional fallout of crime. By enhancing employee morale through comprehensive safety measures, the retail industry can strike a balanced chord between technology and human support—a blend that will resonate across every aisle and register.

Is employee morale crucial for business success and resilience?

More than just stolen goods, retail crime creates an atmosphere of fear that impacts productivity and morale. Incidents like shoplifting and petty theft often go unreported, leaving frontline employees without adequate support. This reporting gap worsens the problem as offenders evade consequences, leading to recidivism. Consequently, employee morale, satisfaction, and overall safety are diminished.

High employee morale goes beyond sentiment; it’s a critical factor for successful business operations. Because morale is key to providing excellent customer service, a well-equipped loss prevention solution is essential in helping to retain good employees. Mitigating the evolving landscape of retail crime begins with ensuring that store teams feel valued and secure.

More than responding to retail crime, ALTO actively empowers employees through local on-site support. By integrating employee morale into our comprehensive asset protection solution, ALTO bridges the gap between perception and reality, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and decisive action, woven with compassion and trust.

Restoring trust and morale to retail personnel

Our comprehensive loss prevention strategies extend beyond data or numbers. We are dedicated to fostering a sense of safety and trust among those impacted by retail crime, such as the store employees who witness and are affected by these disruptions firsthand. By openly communicating positive changes, strategic plans and safety wins to store personnel, we intend to instill the assurance that someone is taking action on their behalf and for their safety and wellbeing. We ultimately want our efforts to make employees feel heard, valued and secure in their place of employment.

By making regular visits to communicate the progress and proactive measures taken towards safety, this positive perception bolsters employee morale. Our open communication fosters a sense of trust and safety; these employees are part of a community that values their well-being. More than communicating statistics or figures, our efforts lead to tangible improvements for store safety and protecting its people.

To further boost morale, ALTO builds strategic alliances and focuses on improving incident resolution, including case investigation and reporting. By transforming incident data into actionable strategies, ALTO ensures accountability and consequences for any safety breaches.

Prioritizing people: A human-centric approach to retail safety

In an age where technology dominates, it’s easy to lose sight of the invaluable aspect of human capital. A retail safety solution that does not prioritize the people who execute it is an incomplete endeavor. When store employees know that someone is taking action on their behalf and for their safety, it can make a significant difference. Our efforts go beyond just improving store safety; we are fostering a positive energy shift within workplaces.

ALTO’s approach is centered around prioritizing the safety and well-being of the workforce. By emphasizing a people-first philosophy, we understand the significance of addressing crime incidents and ensuring a thorough resolution and accountability process. Safeguarding employees goes beyond mere numbers; it involves comprehensive solutions that bring about genuine resolution and accountability.

ALTO sets the new industry standard for loss prevention and asset protection strategies. Partner with ALTO today and create a safer retail environment for your employees and community.