The Rising Threat Inside America’s Workplaces: New Data Shows Who Faces the Greatest Risk

Workplace violence is becoming one of the most urgent safety issues facing American employees, and new national data shows the problem is accelerating faster than many industries can respond. A recent analysis compiled by Suzuki Law Offices highlights how widespread the threat has become, which workers face the highest exposure, and why reporting gaps continue to leave many incidents unaddressed. The findings paint a picture of a workforce increasingly aware of danger but lacking the tools, training, and protections needed to feel safe on the job.

The latest numbers show a clear upward trend. In 2025, 15 percent of U.S. employees reported being directly targeted by workplace violence, up from 12 percent in 2024. That three‑point jump represents millions of workers and underscores a growing national crisis. The economic impact is equally staggering, with workplace violence costing the U.S. an estimated $4.2 billion annually in lost productivity, medical expenses, turnover, and security needs.

The study draws from a nationwide survey of more than 1,009 employees across hospitality, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, office environments, and other major sectors. The data reveals not only the scale of the problem but also the uneven distribution of risk across industries and age groups.

Table of Contents

Key Data Highlights

15 percent of employees were directly targeted by workplace violence in 2025
30 percent of workers witnessed violence at work (up from 25 percent in 2024)
46 percent of hospitality workers witnessed violence
34 percent of healthcare workers witnessed violence
Only 60 percent of employees feel comfortable reporting threats
41 percent of workers who feel unsafe cite lack of training
41 percent cite toxic workplace culture
41 percent cite physical safety hazards
32 percent fear potential violence
33 percent fear retaliatory violence

These numbers show that the threat is not isolated to a single sector or demographic. Instead, it is a widespread issue affecting workers across age groups, industries, and job types.

A Workforce Divided by Confidence and Vulnerability

One of the most striking findings is the generational divide in how employees perceive their ability to de‑escalate dangerous situations. Older workers report significantly higher confidence levels than their younger counterparts.

Confidence in Handling Violent Situations

Baby Boomers: 58 percent
Gen X: 54 percent
Millennials: 47 percent
Gen Z: 41 percent

This gap suggests that younger workers may be entering the workforce with less training, less experience, or fewer institutional supports than older generations. It also raises concerns about whether employers are adequately preparing new employees for real‑world safety threats.

The Reporting Gap: Why Workers Stay Silent

Despite rising violence, 40 percent of employees do not feel comfortable reporting safety threats, especially without anonymity. Fear of retaliation, lack of trust in management, and uncertainty about reporting procedures all contribute to this silence.

Younger workers, particularly Gen Z, express the highest levels of fear and uncertainty. Twelve percent of Gen Z respondents said they would not report concerns at all due to fear or confusion about the process.

This reluctance to report creates a dangerous cycle: incidents go unaddressed, risks escalate, and employees lose confidence in their workplace protections.

What Unsafe Workers Say They Need

Among the 13 percent of employees who say they feel unsafe at work, several themes emerged. Their concerns point to systemic issues that extend beyond isolated incidents.

Top Reasons Workers Feel Unsafe

41 percent: Lack of training or knowledge of safety procedures
41 percent: Toxic workplace culture
41 percent: Physical safety hazards
33 percent: Fear of retaliatory violence
32 percent: Fear of potential assault

When asked what would make them feel safer, employees overwhelmingly supported stronger safety measures and clearer protocols.

Safety Measures Employees Want

50 percent: Physical security measures
49 percent: Emergency action plans
49 percent: A workplace culture that encourages reporting
42 percent: Safety technology
42 percent: In‑person drills
37 percent: Online training

The data shows that workers are not simply afraid; they are asking for concrete, actionable solutions.

Healthcare: The Epicenter of Workplace Violence

While multiple industries face elevated risks, healthcare stands out as the most dangerous environment for workplace violence. Healthcare workers make up 10 percent of the U.S. workforce but account for 48 percent of all nonfatal violent workplace injuries.

Fastest‑Growing Threats in Healthcare

55 percent increase in physical attacks
52 percent increase in verbal assaults
50 percent increase in unauthorized entry
47 percent increase in break‑ins
44 percent increase in insider theft

A 2024 survey of emergency physicians found that 91 percent had either been victims of violence or knew a colleague who had been attacked. Even more alarming, 71 percent said violence had worsened compared to the previous year.

These numbers reflect a sector under immense strain, where staffing shortages, patient frustration, and high‑stress environments create conditions ripe for conflict.

The Push for Stronger Statewide Protections

The study also asked workers whether all states should adopt policies similar to California’s workplace violence law and New York’s Retail Worker Safety Act. The response was nearly unanimous.

93 percent said yes
7 percent said no

This overwhelming support suggests that employees across industries want standardized protections, clearer reporting systems, and mandatory training.

A National Problem Demanding National Attention

The data compiled by Suzuki Law Offices shows a workforce grappling with rising violence, inconsistent protections, and a lack of confidence in reporting systems. The numbers reveal a clear pattern: workers feel unsafe, unsupported, and unprepared.

The economic cost is high, but the human cost is higher. Employees are leaving jobs, avoiding certain industries, or working in fear. Healthcare alone has lost 138,000 nurses since 2022, with nearly 40 percent of remaining workers considering leaving due to safety concerns.

Workplace violence is no longer a background issue. It is a defining challenge for employers, policymakers, and workers alike. And unless organizations invest in training, culture change, and safety infrastructure, the numbers suggest the problem will continue to grow.