Aggression toward health and social care workers has become a major driver of staff turnover, making workforce safety a critical priority for care home and hospital providers. Frontline staff increasingly fear for their personal safety as incidents of violence, threats and verbal abuse rise across both the NHS and the wider social care sector. NHS England recorded around 75,000 violent incidents in 2016–17, a 6.3% increase on the previous year and part of a longer-term upward trend. Social care staff report similarly high levels of abuse: a study found 93% had experienced verbal abuse, 71% felt threatened, and 56% had been physically assaulted.
This growing problem damages morale, increases absenteeism, and accelerates staff churn. However, the article argues that providers who effectively address worker safety can not only improve retention but also gain a competitive edge in recruitment, attracting staff from employers who fail to create safe environments.
Connell Consulting look at how this can be reduced.