As a local business leader, you don’t just run a company; you’re also a cornerstone of our community’s well-being. Recent increases in both random and targeted violence have not only raised concerns but also put our lives and livelihoods at risk. It’s a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities we face daily—vulnerabilities that we must address to protect our teams, our operations, and our future.

At FreeState Safety Training, we understand that the safety of your team and the continuity of your operations are paramount. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you navigate these turbulent times effectively. Here’s what you need to know about the risks your business might face and how you can reduce them: 

The Top 5 Risks to Business Teams
From Increasing Violence

• Physical Harm to Employees
  • • The most direct threat is the potential physical harm to employees, whether it occurs within the workplace or during their commute. Ensuring the physical safety of your team is not just a legal duty but a moral one.
• Psychological Impact
  • • The constant stress and fear induced by violence can deteriorate mental health, leading to decreased morale and productivity. It’s crucial to support your team’s mental and emotional well-being to maintain a healthy working environment.
• Disruption of Business Operations
  • • Violence can disrupt your business operations in several ways, from temporary closures forced by immediate threats to long-term impacts like frequent absences due to safety concerns, losing a team member temporarily, or worse… These disruptions can strain your business financially and logistically.
• Increased Costs
  • • Recovering from any act of violence is expensive and could include anything from insurance co-pays and property restoration to legal fees, temporary staffing, and even PR and advertising to restore business volume. Effective planning and budgeting are essential to manage these expenses without compromising other aspects of your business.
• Reputational Damage
  • • A business located in an area perceived as unsafe might suffer from reputational damage. This perception can affect customer traffic and deter potential talent from joining your organization, impacting growth and profitability.

What Can You Do?

Understanding these risks is the first step. The next is taking proactive measures to minimize them. Here are some action steps you can implement:

1. Train your Team
   • • When it comes to avoiding or surviving violent encounters, your mind is your best weapon.  Knowing how to spot and avoid potential risks, how to de-escalate a tense situation, and what to do if things go from bad to worse is not only the best prevention, but can reduce stress and save lives.
     • Here is a list courses that help the most.   Your team will thank you.
2. Invest in Simple Security Measures:
   • • Security systems, including surveillance cameras, have become increasingly affordable, scaleable, easy to use, and help to ensure that access to your premises is controlled and monitored.
3. Develop and Regularize Safety Drills:
   • • Conduct regular training sessions with your employees on how to respond to various security threats. Drills should be a routine part of your safety protocol, at least twice per year, and perhaps more often.
4. Support Your Employees:
   • • Offer support programs for employees affected by violence, including counseling services and flexible work options to accommodate those who might feel unsafe commuting during risky times.
5. Engage with Local Law Enforcement:
   • • Work closely with local authorities to stay informed about the security situation in your area. They can offer valuable insights and assistance in strengthening your safety measures.
6. Communicate Openly with Your Team and Community:
   • • Maintain transparent communication with your employees and the local community about what you are doing to ensure safety and how they can contribute or benefit from these measures.

Protect What You Value Most

As leaders, our primary responsibility is to safeguard our team and assets. In times of increasing societal violence, this responsibility takes on a new urgency. But remember, you’re not alone in this. Together, as a community of business leaders, we can forge paths to safety and stability.

We at FreeState Safety Training are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Let’s work together to protect what we value most — our people, our businesses, and our community’s future. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you prepare, prevent, and prevail against the challenges ahead.

Stay safe, stay strong, and let’s continue to support each other in building a safer community.   Go to https://freestatesafetytraining.com/ for more info.

FreeState Safety Training: Your Partner in Protecting What Matters Most