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Supporting Employers in Addressing Crime and Vandalism
Editorial by Christian Saint Cyr
National Director / Canadian Job Development Network
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Last week, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business released a report titled: 'Broken windows & broken trust: The impact of rising crime on small business', revealing that littering (63%); vandalism/breaking and entering (63%); and theft/shoplifting (60%) came in as the top three issues employers are struggling with in the area of public safety.
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While we frequently discuss financial and staffing challenges employers are facing, with growing issues around homelessness, substance use and a concern about local police and their ability to effectively address these issues, this third area of concern is literally forcing many employers to shut down in the face of these challenges.
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So how does this have any impact on job development? I believe there are three areas where this can impact the work we do. These include: (1) allowing us to market clients who can mitigate these issues; (2) helping us better prepare clients for their communication with employers; and (3) becoming more aware of how these issues impact our placed clients and students.
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To get a better sense of these challenges, it's helpful to consider the major points of the research:
- Nearly two-thirds (62%) of Canadian small businesses reported an increase in crime within their communities over the past twelve months, with 29% reporting a significant increase.
- Nearly half (45%) of small businesses report being directly impacted by crime and community safety issues. This marks a dramatic increase from just 24% in 2023. Notably, small businesses in Western Canada report higher levels of direct impact.
- A significant majority of Canadian small business owners are dissatisfied with the way governments have been handling crime and safety issues: 79% feel the taxes they pay do not result in improvements, while 78% believe governments are not effectively collaborating to address these issues.
- More than half (54%) of business owners consistently file police reports when they experience community safety issues. However, only one-third (33%) are satisfied with police response times and services. The main reasons for not reporting include the belief that it will not make a difference (83%), a time-consuming process (55%), and the lack of police response (53%).
- Only 15% of businesses report always filing insurance claims when they experience community safety issues, with those in professional services (6%) and hospitality (11%) being the least likely to do so. The main reasons for not reporting include concern about potential increases in insurance premiums (82%), a time-consuming process (40%), and the complexity of claim requirements (29%).
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Creating New Jobs and Economic Activity
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The presence of security guards is now common place in many retail establishments, banks, restaurants other food service outlets. This said, new jobs can incorporate training in first aid, public safety, security systems and building maintenance. While these skills may not constitute whole new jobs, they would create a valuable supporting skill set when employers are hiring frontline staff, managers and human resources professionals.
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In the arena of job carving, there is also room for jobs cleaning graffiti, removing litter and watching for shoplifters. This could also take the form of new social enterprises.
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Addressing Employer Concerns
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In preparing resumes, it would be helpful for candidates to share any training they have in public safety, security and conflict resolution. This would be an excellent demonstration the candidate is understanding this is an area of concern for employers and speak to it.
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This would also impact how job seekers tailor their elevator pitch, interview responses and their approach to networking.
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The Safety of our Clients/Students
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Given many employers are facing increased financial pressures, staff are often being left alone. Many provinces have no provision requiring employers to keep at least two staff members on site.
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When we place individuals in positions, it's helpful to ensure there is a safety plan, adequate security protections and administrative support should there be a robbery or vandalism.
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Prior to starting a position, we should provide our clients/students with a briefing on the employment standards act and provincial human rights legislation.
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In a more uncertain economy, many employers are struggling with the very question of whether they want to continue in business. If nothing else comes of this research, it's just valuable for us to be conscious of the stresses employers are dealing with. By demonstrating empathy and practicing discovery, we can engage in rich conversations with employers that help illuminate their professional challenges, the supports they need and what we can do to address those needs.
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We’ll be discussing the impact of immigration changes at our #MotivatingMondays meeting of the Canadian Job Development Network, Monday Nov. 4th at 8:30am Pacific; 9:30am Mountain; 10:30am Central; 11:30am Eastern; 12:30pm Atlantic and at 1pm in Newfoundland.
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On the morning of Monday November 4th, 'Click this Link' to join the session LIVE.
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