Healthcare Leaders Must Focus on Safety to Stabilize their Workforce

By Andrea Greco

Workplace violence is one of the most pressing challenges facing the healthcare industry today. In 2025, this issue is expected to remain at the forefront, driven by several factors, including staffing shortages, increasing patient and visitor agitation, and a lack of trust in the industry. For healthcare organizations to continue to provide high-quality care and maintain a healthy work environment, they must make workplace safety a top priority.

The link between workplace safety and patient care

The connection between workplace violence and patient care is often overlooked, but the truth is that workplace safety directly impacts patient care. When caretakers are distracted or feel unsafe, whether it’s in an emergency room or outpatient clinic, they are unable to give their full attention to patients.

As staffing shortages continue to affect healthcare facilities, the pressure on remaining staff becomes heightened. A report from Mercer predicted a staffing shortage of 100,000 workers for hospitals, health systems, and clinics by 2028. Similarly, data from McKinsey revealed that 35% of physicians intend to leave the workforce within the next year. However, insufficient staffing may be a trigger for increasing violence against healthcare workers. A National Nurses United survey found that over 80% of nurses experienced workplace violence in 2023, and these incidents are historically known to be underreported.

Whether it’s verbal abuse, physical aggression, or other forms of violence, the constant threat to healthcare workers’ safety can erode morale, hinder performance, and lead to burnout. By creating safer, more supportive environments, healthcare organizations can empower their staff to prioritize patient outcomes and deliver higher-quality care.

Technology’s impact on workplace safety

Investing in safety technology is a critical step in helping address workplace violence. Solutions such as wearable duress buttons, digital incident mapping, and visitor management are all important pieces that, when put together, can have a real impact on improving staff safety. When healthcare workers feel protected, they are more engaged in their role and thus more likely to stay in their positions, reducing turnover rates and improving retention. A focus on staff safety can also enhance recruitment efforts. By creating a culture of safety, healthcare organizations can bolster efforts to attract and retain top talent, helping to distinguish themselves from other workplaces, and avoiding the direct impact of increasing staffing shortages.

While the need for robust safety measures is clear, healthcare organizations must also account for some of the challenges that come with implementing technology. For example, Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS) and other location-based tracking systems can help identify and respond to incidents of workplace violence swiftly, but they also raise concerns regarding employee privacy. These technologies rely on tracking staff within a healthcare facility, which can make workers hesitant to comply given the constant monitoring. As a result, healthcare organizations must strike a balance between ensuring staff safety and respecting privacy.

To build trust and ensure the success of safety initiatives, it is crucial that healthcare organizations engage in open dialogue with staff about the technologies and measures being implemented. Staff need to understand why certain measures are being put in place, how they will be used, and how their privacy will be protected. This conversation should be ongoing, allowing employees to voice concerns and provide feedback about the safety measures being considered. Healthcare workers are more likely to embrace safety protocols if they feel they are part of the decision-making process and their needs and concerns are being taken seriously.

Legislation will have an impact on moving workplace safety measures forward

Legislation to reduce violence in healthcare workplaces has progressed at state and national levels and will continue to make headway in 2025. This year, the SAVE Act (Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act) was introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives. If passed, it would become a federal crime to assault healthcare workers, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is close to proposing a new standard that will require healthcare organizations to implement workplace violence prevention programs to protect their staff.

With the implementation of new standards and legislation, there will be better frameworks in place to help healthcare organizations be successful. However, it benefits the healthcare organization overall to proactively enhance their safety plans versus waiting for a mandate.

Final thoughts

Creating a safe and supportive environment for healthcare workers is not just a matter of compliance or risk management—it is essential for delivering high-quality care. In an industry where the stakes are high and demands are ever-increasing, safeguarding the health and well-being of caretakers is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one. By taking proactive steps to address workplace violence, healthcare organizations can create an environment that prioritizes both employee safety and patient care. In doing so, they will build a more resilient, engaged, and effective workforce—one that is empowered to provide the best possible care to patients in need.

Andrea Greco is SVP of Healthcare Safety, CENTEGIX.