Safe Spaces, Happy Faces: How Employers Benefit When They Prioritise Workplace Security

The workplace should be a positive and productive environment where the security and safety of employees is made a priority. According to the 2025 Employee Safety Report, 96% of employees report that being physically safe at work is important to them.

Therefore, it is crucial for organisations to recognise how workplace security can significantly impact employee engagement, retention rates and wellbeing. When employees feel safe and secure within their work environment, whether it be an office or school, this can increase their overall job satisfaction and result in better company-wide achievements.

Specialist recruitment agency, Spencer Clarke Group, shared with us how this can enhance employee wellbeing and boost your staff retention rates.

How can employers make workplaces feel safe and secure?

Ways to make the workplace safe and secure, include:

• Using locks and controlled access.
• Ensuring employees don’t work alone especially during late shifts or those in vulnerable roles.
• Having CCTV and surveillance in operation.
• Referring to security checklists.
• Implementing regular emergency procedures.
• Carrying out staff training on handling security incidents, personal safety and data protection.
• Utilising clear and quick reporting channels.

How do employers benefit when they make security a priority?

Workplace safety isn’t just about being prepared for potential risks and ensuring compliance with security procedures. Implementing security measures can directly influence employee morale and determine how loyal an employee is to an organisation. Should an employee think there is little concern for their safety at work or a lack of security, they might be more likely to look for work elsewhere which could negatively impact the overall function of an organisation.

When employers make security a priority, they benefit through:

• Employees with better physical and mental health
• Enhanced employee engagement and productivity.
• Improved employee retention rates.
• A better reputation.

Employees with better physical and mental health

No employee wants to feel anxious or unsafe at work and it is up to employers to prevent accidents, injuries or long-term health risks. It is important that the workplace is designed to support safety and comfort to maintain the overall quality of employees’ lives.

Safe environments and proactive measures protect employees’ day to day and create a foundation for lasting wellbeing and trust in the workplace. Workplace safety measures such as locked doors and alarms protect employees from physical harm, which in turn reduces stress and anxiety, improving mental health and overall wellbeing.

Reduce the risk

Employers can prioritise physical health by restricting access to electrical equipment, so employees don’t trip over wires or electrocute themselves. This means a reduced risk of people making claims if they physically hurt themselves and less time needed off work if they injure themselves in the workplace.

According to the 2025 Employee Safety Report, 67% of employees say mental health is extremely important to them, but only 48% feel it is equally important to their employer.

If an employee is accused of misconduct, CCTV can be used in their defence, which could mitigate a potentially stressful situation that would have a negative affect on their mental health. Reduced employee stress and anxiety can lead to fewer sick days which boosts workplace productivity. As a result of this a company is able to deliver successful and efficient outcomes.

Enhanced employee engagement and productivity

A secure workplace can also drive productivity and engagement as well as improve overall employee performance. The 2025 Employee Safety Report found that 38% of UK employees were more inclined to distrust their employers than to trust them completely. When employees feel unsafe and lack trust in their employers, colleagues and the workplace itself, it can affect everything from morale to productivity.

Employees who feel safe are more focused, motivated and more likely to do their work with ease and confidence. Unsafe environments can distract staff and inhibit professional performance, which can result in employees falling behind on their workload, feeling increased pressure and ultimately struggling to maintain productivity and morale.

A sense of security in the work environment can increase focus as well as motivate and reassure employees that their wellbeing is a priority. This helps create a positive atmosphere and company culture where employees feel valued, cared for and able to thrive.

Improved employee retention rates

Companies that protect and support their employees are more likely to retain them. A safe workplace helps foster a positive company culture that enhances the overall employee experience.

Organisations known for strong safety standards attract and retain top talent, while a lack of safety often leads to dissatisfaction, frustration and high turnover rates.

A safe environment fosters trust and loyalty, boosting productivity and driving long-term success. It reflects a genuine commitment from leadership and sends a message that employee wellbeing matters. This strengthens the connection between staff and can increase the chances of employees being more fulfilled and likely to stay at an organisation.

By implementing effective security measures, organisations can enhance retention, lower recruitment costs and create an environment where employees feel safe, valued and committed to staying long term.

A better reputation

When an environment is unsafe and employees lose faith in their employer, it can damage rather than strengthen trust in the business or organisation. This can significantly harm the company’s reputation and their ability to present themselves as trustworthy and reliable.

Every company wants to establish a good reputation and be known for their integrity and responsibility. Committing to safety and security is a crucial part of a strong brand image and helps attract both talent and investors.

Value employee safety

Employers that value employee safety as much as the work employees do, gain a reputation for being loyal, trustworthy and responsible. When the mental and physical health of employees is prioritised through security measures, employers often have a better reputation.

If the workplace is unsafe, the business can appear reckless and irresponsible and quickly develop a reputation for having poor priorities. This can damage their appeal to both potential employees and investors, making people less willing to work for or associate with the company.

Author bio:

Nicole Sherwood joined Spencer Clarke Group in 2023 and is the Content Writer for the award-winning recruitment agency. Spencer Clarke Group operates in both the private and public sector, in 11 specialisms and provides assistance with all recruitment challenges.

In 2025, Spencer Clarke Group was awarded Best Public/Third Sector Recruitment Agency and Best Temporary Recruitment Agency at the Recruiter Awards.