Picture this: It’s late, the office is nearly empty, and you’re walking to your car in a poorly lit parking lot. You hear footsteps behind you, and your heart races. This isn’t an overreaction—it's a familiar fear for many women.

In fact, nearly half of women globally are concerned about their safety at work or while commuting, according to the Deloitte Women @ Work 2024 report.

Whether it’s dealing with harassment, unsafe working conditions, or feeling vulnerable during late shifts, women often find themselves navigating a workplace designed without their safety in mind.

At ResQ Jewelry, we believe it’s time to talk about these uncomfortable truths. In this article, we'll explore real, practical steps women can take to protect themselves and create safer work environments—because no one should feel unsafe at work.

Common Safety Concerns for Women in the Workplace

Harassment and unsafe conditions don’t just happen in dimly lit parking garages—they can occur in boardrooms, on construction sites, or even in a bustling office. Women face a variety of safety challenges, from harassment to poorly designed personal protective equipment (PPE), which can put women at greater risk than their male colleagues. 

According to Abby Ferri, CSP, vice president vice president of the national
construction practice for Hays Companies, “Many of the size, cut, and style options available for women’s PPE aren’t rooted in science, which creates safety hazards.”

1. Harassment

Think of Susan, who works in marketing. She brushes off her male colleague’s flirtatious remarks at first, but soon, he’s touching her shoulder and lingering by her desk. It feels wrong, but she’s unsure if she should speak up. Nearly one in 10 women report being harassed by a colleague or senior manager, according to the Deloitte Women @ Work 2024 report.

But harassment doesn’t just affect office workers. Healthcare and social work professionals, most of whom are women, are 5 to 12 times more likely to experience workplace violence, according to the Government Accountability Office.

2. Unsafe environments

Imagine working in a warehouse with dim lighting in the stockroom or being asked to park in a lot without security after dark. These are real concerns for women, and improper workplace designs disproportionately impact women’s safety. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, homicide is the leading cause of workplace fatalities for women, accounting for 20% of all female workplace deaths in 2019. Spaces designed without proper lighting, surveillance, or emergency protocols can quickly become dangerous.

3. Stress-related safety issues 

Long hours or workplace bullying can take a toll on both your mental and physical health. Take Maria, who works in healthcare, and is constantly bullied by a senior nurse, leading to stress and sleepless nights. Her safety concerns go beyond physical danger—her mental well-being is at risk.

According to Deloitte, 50% of women report higher stress levels than a year ago, and 48% say their mental health is their top concern. When mental health is at risk, physical safety often follows, as individuals are less likely to remain vigilant or respond effectively to emergency situations.

These examples are not isolated. They reflect the real dangers women face in various work settings, and recognizing these challenges is the first step toward finding solutions.

Recognizing and Preventing Harassment

When Rachel, a junior lawyer, noticed her supervisor’s comments escalating from “harmless” compliments to suggestive emails, she knew something was wrong. Recognizing harassment early is key to preventing it from escalating.

Practical Steps to Recognize and Prevent Harassment:

 

• Trust Your Gut: Like Rachel, if something feels off, don’t ignore it. Harassment doesn’t always start with obvious actions. It can begin with subtle remarks that escalate over time.
• Document Everything: Start keeping records of inappropriate comments, emails, or actions. In Rachel’s case, her documentation became critical when she decided to report her supervisor’s behavior to HR.
• Seek Support: Harassment can be isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to a trusted colleague, HR, or legal advisors.

According to National Safety Council data, women account for 70% of all workplace assault injuries. Taking steps early can make a significant difference in preventing escalation and protecting your safety.

Many companies have anti-harassment policies, but you need to understand your legal rights too. Resources like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the National Women’s Law Center can help guide you through this process.

How to Advocate for Safer Work Environments

Advocating for change can be daunting, especially if you’re the only one speaking up. Picture Emily, a young engineer, noticing that her company’s night shifts always left women working in isolated areas without security. After a few sleepless nights worrying about her safety, Emily decided to bring her concerns to HR.

How to advocate effectively:

• Work with HR. Emily brought up her concerns, citing specific examples of how isolated workstations made her and her female colleagues vulnerable. HR began reviewing security measures, including adding more lights and improving surveillance.
• Build a support system. Emily didn’t act alone. She talked with her colleagues and found that others shared her concerns. Together, they presented a stronger case.
• Know your rights. Understanding what safety protocols should be in place empowers you to push for necessary changes.

Workplace violence is not a problem for women to solve on their own. 27% of workplace violence incidents are tied to domestic violence, and 16% of women murdered at work are killed by intimate partners, according to a NIOSH study. It’s vital for companies to implement comprehensive safety measures and empower their employees to advocate for change.

Emergency Protocols Women Should Know

Emergencies don’t come with a warning, and when they happen, women are often left scrambling without proper plans. Think of Sarah, a retail worker who found herself in the middle of a mall lockdown during an active shooter situation. She realized she had no idea what to do. Situations like these can be terrifying, but having a clear emergency plan in place makes all the difference.

Here’s a quick table outlining key steps to take during different workplace emergencies:

Emergency Scenario	Protocol Steps	Who to Contact	Recommended Safety Tools
Fire	Evacuate, avoid elevators, and stay low to avoid smoke.	Fire department, building security	First aid kit, fire extinguisher
Active Shooter	Hide, run, or fight depending on proximity. Silence phones.	911, security	Panic button, silent alarm (e.g., ResQ device)
Medical Emergency	Call 911, perform first aid if trained.	First responders, HR	First aid kit, defibrillator
Natural Disaster	Follow local guidelines (e.g., drop under sturdy furniture during earthquakes).	Local authorities	Safety app, emergency kit

For Sarah, it was her quick thinking that saved her, but having access to personal safety devices like ResQ’s panic buttons would have provided extra security during the chaotic situation.

Learn more about ResQ’s collection of safety jewelry and how it can help you stay safe. 

Self-Defense Tips for Workplace Settings

Self-defense is about being prepared, not paranoid. Consider Leah, who works the late shift at a hospital. One evening, a man followed her from the parking garage to the hospital doors. Her heart pounded, but Leah kept her cool and remembered her self-defense training.

Statistics show that nonfatal workplace violence disproportionately affects women, with female workers being the victims in nearly two-thirds of all workplace assaults, according to the National Safety Council.

Tips to stay safe:

• Situational awareness: Leah knew to stay aware of her surroundings and avoid distractions like her phone. This helped her stay prepared for the unexpected.
• Verbal de-escalation: If someone is approaching, Leah could use strong, assertive language like “Stop! Don’t come any closer!” to create distance.
• Physical defense moves: If things escalated, Leah could use a basic self-defense move like a palm strike to the nose or a knee to the groin. These are simple actions that give you a chance to escape.

For extra protection, Leah wears a ResQ panic button necklace, which she can press to send a silent alert to security.

Building a Safe Workplace Culture

Safety isn’t just up to women—it’s a shared responsibility. When John, a manager at a tech company, heard a colleague had experienced harassment, he worked with HR to set up bystander training and zero-tolerance policies.

Companies that support gender equality and safe work environments see improved productivity and employee retention.

According to the Deloitte report, women working for Gender Equality Leaders are more likely to feel safe, supported, and loyal to their employers.

What companies can do:

• Provide regular training: Just like John did, companies should offer regular harassment prevention and safety training. The more employees know, the more they can protect themselves and each other.
• Foster open communication: Encourage a culture where employees feel comfortable speaking up without fear of retaliation.
• Enforce zero-tolerance policies: Clear consequences for harassment or unsafe practices help ensure that everyone feels safe and respected.

Personal Safety Devices to Consider

Let’s talk about Lauren. She’s an accountant, often working late during tax season. One night, after everyone else had left, she heard footsteps outside her office. Grabbing her bag, Lauren quickly pressed the panic button on her ResQ bracelet. Within moments, her husband received an alert, and he contacted security to check on her. Thankfully, it was nothing—but the peace of mind her device offered was priceless.

Why personal safety devices are essential:

• Wearable panic buttons: Discreet and easy to use, ResQ Jewelry’s devices send out alerts with the push of a button. Whether it’s a silent alarm or a loud panic alert, help is always close at hand.
• Real-time GPS tracking: Devices like ResQ’s offer location tracking, so loved ones can monitor your safety in real-time.

You don’t have to wait until something happens to take action. Equip yourself with tools that make you feel safe, no matter the situation. Explore ResQ’s wearable safety devices today.

Final Thoughts

Women's safety in the workplace shouldn’t be a taboo topic—it should be a priority.

From addressing harassment to advocating for safer environments, women must be proactive in protecting themselves. But the responsibility doesn’t lie with individuals alone. Companies need to create cultures of safety, ensure the availability of properly fitting PPE, and address the unique challenges women face at work.

For more personal safety tips and advice, visit our blog. Ready to protect yourself? Check out ResQ’s wearable safety devices and take control of your workplace safety today.