Violence in healthcare continues to be a problem for healthcare providers and leaders. A 2024 National Nurses United report found that more than 80% of nurses experienced at least one incident of workplace violence last year, with more than 25% noting a significant increase compared to the prior year. Emergency physicians are confronting similar challenges. A 2024 poll by the ACEP found that nearly three-quarters of respondents say violence has worsened compared to the prior year, and more than 90% reported that they or their colleagues faced threats or attacks, with nearly one in four experiencing repeated incidents each week.
Despite this, many healthcare organizations struggle to implement prevention strategies that tackle the problem in ways that feel truly effective. In a survey from Black Book Research, nearly all staff who had witnessed or experienced workplace violence felt that current measures did not address the problem. Research has also shown that up to 80% of violent incidents go unreported, leaving healthcare organizations without the data necessary to identify patterns or act proactively. This creates a harmful cycle that leaves healthcare workers extremely vulnerable, both physically and psychologically.
Beyond the individual impact violence has on healthcare workers, workplace violence also carries significant financial consequences. The American Hospital Association estimates that hospitals spent $18.27 billion on violence-related costs in 2023; however, less than 20% of that spending was devoted to prevention. Instead, the majority was allocated to post-incident expenses – a clear indication that more must be done up front to prevent violence and protect healthcare professionals.
Proactive violence prevention programs have the potential to yield measurable savings. Beyond costs, these programs also demonstrate an investment in staff well-being and organizational resilience. At its core, safety investments offer a business case that demonstrates why financially and ethically, healthcare organizations must invest in their workforce.
Strengthening Workforce Stability and Patient Care
With ongoing staffing shortages, increasing patient and visitor agitation, and a lack of trust in the industry, healthcare organizations must implement programs that preserve high-quality patient care and focus on staff well-being. According to the CDC, exposure to harassment correlates with elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout, which is why safety programs are so critical.
When staff feel protected, they can focus their efforts on better patient outcomes and experience. For example, improved staff confidence and reduced stress can encourage higher HCAHPS scores, fewer patient complaints, and better overall quality metrics.
Over the past two decades, research has shown the effectiveness of workplace violence prevention measures, with studies documenting between an 18% and 66% reduction in incidents of violence after implementing interventions. Financially, this could also have a significant impact on healthcare organizations’ talent retention. According to the 2025 NSI National Healthcare Retention Report, replacing a bedside nurse costs, on average, over $60,000, potentially resulting in multi-million-dollar losses for an average-sized hospital.
Investments in safety create a ripple effect: a confident and supported workforce translates into more compassionate, focused care. These improvements in provider confidence and patient experience reinforce one another, creating a culture of safety that supports long-term success. The investment to keep healthcare workers safe far outweighs the costs healthcare organizations will incur if they don’t.
Leading Organizational Safety Initiatives
Healthcare executives are continuously navigating challenges such as regulatory demands, patient experience, staffing, finances, and evolving legislation. But it starts at the top; safety initiatives require executive-level commitment. If safety is not integrated into organizational plans, budgets, and performance metrics, it won’t become a part of the organization’s culture, resulting in a missed opportunity to create the impact that’s desperately needed. Staff notice and respond to what leadership values, so visible investments in safety can foster trust, engagement, and accountability.
To do this, leaders must establish a clear understanding of current safety levels. By analyzing staff perception surveys, incident reports, and workers’ compensation data, they can uncover vulnerabilities and track improvements over time. Building on this baseline, leaders should form cross-functional safety teams that bring together different perspectives across the organization for full representation.
Communication is also critical. Maintaining a safe environment is a shared responsibility, so reinforcing that message and putting it into practice helps keep staff engaged and motivated. Regularly monitoring and sharing progress enhances transparency, strengthens accountability, and builds confidence in the organization’s commitment to safety.
Lastly, equipping staff with the right tools, such as wearable duress buttons, empowers them to act quickly and confidently, both in emergencies and when dealing with everyday needs. When these tools are combined with visitor management systems, EMR alerts, safety signage, assessments, and ongoing training, leaders set up their organizations to address and mitigate risk at multiple levels.
When employees feel safe at work, performance, retention, and morale improve. Conversely, neglecting safety can wreak havoc throughout an organization, negatively affecting finances, culture, and patient outcomes.
Investing Strategically in Workplace Safety
Workplace violence prevention is not a one-off initiative — it is an ongoing, strategic investment. Organizations that implement clear policies, foster cross-departmental collaboration, engage staff, leverage technology, and maintain visible leadership support build safer and more resilient environments. These measures reduce incidents, boost employee engagement and talent retention, enhance patient care, and limit financial losses.
As healthcare organizations plan for the future, treating workplace safety as a strategic priority will protect staff, preserve resources, and strengthen the culture of care.
Andrea Greco
Andrea Greco is the SVP of Healthcare Safety at CENTEGIX. She's spent decades partnering with customers to deliver solutions that focus on employee, patient, and family satisfaction and engagement. Her current role is focused on the creation and deployment of innovative, layered safety solutions that empower and protect healthcare organizations every day.
