Is personal security the new must-have benefit?

• Key Insight: Discover how employers are adopting 24/7 personal-security platforms to protect employees offsite.
• What's at Stake: Rising workforce fear could drive retention, productivity, and insurance-cost pressures.
• Forward Look: Expect voluntary, customizable safety benefits to become standard corporate offerings.
  Source: Bullets generated by AI with editorial review

The idea of workplace safety once applied exclusively to the office, but in a digital world, in-person employees and remote workers alike are craving round-the-clock security. Today's digital tools make this possible.

Personal safety fears in the U.S. are at a three-decade high, according to a recent report from Gallup, with 40% of adults feeling afraid to walk alone at night near their home. More than 30% worry about getting mugged or being the victim of a hate crime, and just over 20% are scared of being killed or sexually assaulted. While many people turn to individual safety measures such as pepper spray, flashlights and alarms, some business leaders are taking a more proactive role in keeping their workforce safe by investing in safety-focused voluntary benefits. 

"The problem of people not feeling safe has existed for decades," said Doron Kempel, CEO of personal security platform Our Bond. "When your people leave the building they're exposed, so we've introduced a concept of security that is preventative." 

Read more: Rising tide of workplace violence takes its toll

Our Bond is a private, personal security platform that gives employees 24/7 access to live, trained personal security agents through a mobile app that offers real-time support before, during and after a potentially dangerous situation. Through the platform's features, users can share their location with their contacts, set arrival and departure alerts and allow Our Bond agents to monitor their route and check in if they deviate or don't arrive as expected. Users can discreetly place an agent on standby or use the video setting to speak directly with a live agent face-to-face.

In addition, the app can also dispatch a car for a quick pickup, activate a loud siren with flashing lights to draw attention, and connect users with local emergency services quickly. Depending on the plan, a bodyguard, telemedicine connections and roadside assistance could also be provided at an additional cost. Every safety program is customizable to fit workplaces, campuses for employees' kids and even their homes. The goal, Kempel said, is to offer support that is as comprehensive as possible. 

"Maybe your employees are struggling with domestic violence," he said. "Maybe they're alone in the office or walking to their car late at night and want us to check on them." 

Emergency intervention is often considered "too early until it's too late," according to Kempel. Many people in precarious situations can't discern the right amount of time to wait before calling 911, or who to contact after they've had a scare. The result of that gap can cost employees their peace of mind and organizations their workforce's engagement.

Read more: Why more U.S. workers are hitting the panic button

Improved safety measures control costs all around

Employers face substantial hidden financial costs when their employees are harmed through medical claims, insurance expenses, lost productivity, turnover and efforts to recruit and retrain new staff. Historically, safety support was not only expensive, but limited to bulky and even ineffective physical hardware such as panic buttons. In contrast, more comprehensive platforms like Our Bond are available for a flat rate per employee, depending on the size and scope of the plan. 

"Nobody can say that it's not affordable anymore," Kempel said. "It's not the only reason leaders should [invest in personal security], but if they do, there are significant ROI opportunities that far exceed what they pay for." 

As employees' expectations evolve and they look to leaders for greater support in both their personal and professional lives, security is a meaningful way organizations can step up and meet that need.

"As corporate leaders, we need to be driving what's good for people," Kempel said. "In 10 years I really do believe this is going to be something that all leaders at every level are going to want."