A recent study reveals that workplace violence in the United States is increasing this year.
According to survey results released on Wednesday, one in three employees reported witnessing physical confrontations at work over the last five years.
Out of the 1,009 participants, 15% admitted they had been victims of workplace violence.
The disturbing findings surfaced less than two weeks after a tragic event in which Shane Tamura shot and killed four innocent people at 345 Park Ave. on July 28, 2025.
A significant 90% of workers believe their employers need to enhance safety measures.
Among the 13% of respondents who felt unsafe at work, factors like toxic workplace culture, concerns about violence, and fear of retaliation were major contributors.
Bailey Whitzit, a compliance advisor at Traliant, commented that these results indicate safety is now a cultural obligation, not just a compliance requirement.
When it comes to feeling equipped to identify physical threats at work, responses varied by generation. About 58% of baby boomers and 54% of Gen-Xers felt prepared, in contrast to only 47% of millennials and 41% of Gen-Zers.
NYPD hero Didarul Islam was among those killed during the shooting incident at the office building.
As the chaos unfolded, employees used sofas and other office furniture to create barricades for safety.
On a brighter note, this year, three out of four employees reported receiving training on workplace violence from their employers, up from 70% last year.
The study did not differentiate between violence that occurs among colleagues and attacks like the one on Park Avenue.
Whitzit emphasized that the shooting in Midtown serves as a “tragic reminder” of a growing national crisis.
He urges employers to prioritize robust planning, training, and safety measures now more than ever.
