Healthcare's Crisis: Staff Demand Safety, Not Constant Surveillance

ATLANTA, GA – April 08, 2026 – A staggering two-thirds of healthcare workers have personally experienced violence in the past year, yet a new report reveals their plea is not for invasive surveillance, but for smarter, empowering safety measures that respect their privacy. The findings, part of the 2026 Healthcare Workforce Safety Report released by safety technology firm CENTEGIX, paint a grim picture of a workforce under siege and feeling abandoned, with 61% believing their organization's efforts do not show a strong concern for their security.

The report, based on a survey of 639 frontline healthcare workers, arrives as the industry grapples with a deepening staffing crisis. It highlights a critical disconnect: while hospitals are desperate to retain staff, many are failing to address one of their employees' most fundamental needs—the need to feel safe at work. The data suggests that the solution lies not in blanket surveillance, but in a layered approach that combines people, training, and technology that puts control in the hands of the user.

A System at a Breaking Point

The scale of workplace violence in healthcare has reached epidemic levels, a trend corroborated by multiple independent sources. The CENTEGIX report finds that 68% of healthcare workers personally experienced a violent incident in the last year, while 74% witnessed one. This is not an isolated finding. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that violence against healthcare workers had already doubled between 2018 and 2022, and organizations like the American College of Emergency Physicians report that a vast majority of their members have been victims.

This constant threat has a corrosive effect that extends far beyond the immediate aftermath of an incident. It erodes morale, fuels burnout, and directly impacts the ability to deliver care. According to the CENTEGIX survey, nearly half of all healthcare workers (48%) say their safety concerns negatively affect their ability to provide compassionate care. This creates a vicious cycle where a stressful environment compromises the very mission healthcare professionals are dedicated to.

"You're always on edge," one anonymous nurse told researchers in a separate 2025 study. "Every time you enter a room, you're doing a quick mental scan for risks. That mental energy is draining, and it's energy that should be going to my patient."

Underreporting remains a significant obstacle to understanding the full scope of the problem. Studies consistently show that a majority of incidents are never formally documented, often because staff believe that reporting is futile and that leadership will not take meaningful action.

The Demand for Smarter, Not More, Security

When asked what would make them feel safest, healthcare workers provided a clear, multi-faceted answer. The presence of trained security personnel ranked highest (55%), underscoring the irreplaceable value of human intervention. However, technology plays a crucial supporting role. User-activated wearable duress buttons were the second most-desired measure (42%), followed by video monitoring and security cameras (30%).

The key insight, however, lies in the type of technology workers want. A resounding 70% of respondents stated they would prefer a wearable duress button that only shares their location when they actively trigger an alert. They are rejecting solutions that track their every move throughout the day.

This preference for "safety, not surveillance" marks a pivotal moment for workplace technology. It signals a demand for tools that empower employees rather than simply monitor them. Employees equipped with these user-activated duress buttons demonstrated significantly higher confidence and feelings of support. The report found they had 12% higher perceptions of organizational support, felt 19% more protected, and had 25% stronger confidence in their organization's response to a worst-case scenario like an active shooter. Perhaps most tellingly, 45% of workers with these devices said the technology directly improves their ability to provide quality care.

"Amid the industry's ongoing workforce crisis, healthcare security leaders have reached a critical point: when workforce safety isn't prioritized, the consequences extend beyond staffing shortages and burnout to impact the quality of patient care," said Andrea Greco, SVP of Healthcare Safety at CENTEGIX, in the company's press release.

A Strategic Imperative for a Shrinking Workforce

The link between workplace safety and the industry's crippling staffing shortage can no longer be ignored. With a projected national shortage of registered nurses looming, healthcare organizations are in a fierce competition for talent. The CENTEGIX report reveals that 54% of healthcare workers now consider staff safety measures a top priority when looking for a job.

Failing to provide a safe environment is a direct path to higher turnover, with some studies indicating over a quarter of healthcare workers have considered quitting due to violence. The cost of replacing a single nurse can be tens of thousands of dollars, making investments in effective safety programs a matter of financial prudence, not just moral obligation. Organizations that invest in comprehensive, privacy-respecting safety platforms are creating a competitive advantage, positioning themselves as employers of choice in a tight labor market.

This strategic shift requires moving beyond reactive measures and adopting a holistic safety culture. That culture must be built on a foundation of trust, where employees feel heard and protected.

A Patchwork of Policy and Lagging Training

While workers are making their needs clear, the response from a policy and training perspective has been inconsistent. The CENTEGIX report exposes a significant readiness gap: only 36% of healthcare workers received both safety training and drill practice in the past year, and a concerning 15% received neither. Technology without proper training is an incomplete solution, leaving staff vulnerable even when tools are available.

The regulatory landscape is slowly beginning to respond. Federally, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act has been proposed to mandate that OSHA create enforceable standards. At the state level, some legislatures are taking action, with proposals like one in Illinois that would require hospitals to provide wearable duress buttons to staff.

These movements, combined with updated requirements from accrediting bodies like The Joint Commission, signal a growing consensus that the status quo is unacceptable. For healthcare leaders, the message from their own staff is clear: the time has come to implement layered safety plans that combine well-trained personnel, practical training, and technology that protects and empowers, ensuring that caregivers can provide care without fearing for their own safety.