Closing the Workplace Safety Gap: What Employees Expect from Their Employers

According to a recently released 2025 Employee Safety Report, 96 percent of employees surveyed said physical safety is important to them; 95% also value mental health. But despite that overwhelming consensus, a significant portion of the workforce still feels unsafe, unsupported, and unprepared on the job. 

At WorkCare, we believe workplace safety must go beyond protocols and posters. It requires a holistic, proactive approach that addresses physical, mental, and psychological well-being while fostering a culture of trust and transparency. Here’s what employers need to know to close the safety gap and deliver on the expectations of today’s workforce. 

Safety Is Not a Perk. It’s a Promise. 

The data is clear: employees want to feel safe and supported at work. But more than half (56%) say they don’t feel completely safe in their current roles, and 35% report feeling unprepared to handle emergencies even though 81% have experienced one. 

High stress levels, poor communication, and a lack of leadership support are among the top reasons employees feel vulnerable. The consequences go beyond individual discomfort. Feeling unsafe impacts engagement, productivity, and long-term retention. 

As an occupational health service provider dedicated to workforce health and well-being, WorkCare partners with organizations to shift safety from a checkbox to a strategic advantage by embedding expert clinical care, prevention, and support right where people are working. 

Barriers to Reporting Safety Concerns Undermine Trust 

One of the most alarming findings in the report is that 32% of employees don’t feel comfortable reporting safety concerns, and 39% of those who do report issues experience retaliation. Whether due to fear of consequences, distrust in leadership, or a lack of clear processes, these barriers can paralyze safety progress. 

WorkCare helps organizations address these challenges by fostering environments where employees feel empowered to speak up and know they’ll be heard. Through integrated occupational health services, clinical oversight, and education, we work to reduce fear, build trust, and create accountability systems that support continuous improvement. 

Mental Health, Stress, and Psychological Safety Must Be Prioritized 

Workplace stress is not just a mental health issue; it’s a safety issue. Nearly half of employees say stress makes them feel unsafe at work, and 28% cite their own mental health struggles as a contributing factor. 

Our approach to occupational health integrates mental wellness with physical care. From on-site clinicians trained to recognize and address mental health concerns, to wellness programs, screenings, and education, WorkCare helps organizations proactively support their people and reduce the risks associated with chronic stress. 

Communication and Culture are at the Heart of Safety 

Another key insight from the report is the importance of timely, clear communication. Poor communication was cited by 39% of employees as a factor that makes them feel unsafe, while inadequate safety training and lack of leadership engagement followed close behind. 

WorkCare helps close this gap by embedding clinical experts within organizations including nurses, physicians, and safety professionals who serve not only as caregivers but also as cultural ambassadors. Through on-site training, emergency preparedness drills, and direct employee engagement, our clinicians help foster a safety-first mindset that aligns with each organization’s goals and values. 

The Case for Taking Action 

While some organizations may believe they’re doing enough, the data tell a different story: 

• Only 63% of employees think their employer considers physical safety extremely important. 

• 59% say safety efforts haven’t improved in the past year. 

The report findings, based on a survey of more than 2,000 full-time U.S. employees and 1,000 full-time U.K. employees, show that employees in organizations that have made visible safety improvements are far more likely to feel safe, trust their employer, and be engaged at work. 

How WorkCare Helps Organizations Close the Safety Gap 

As a leader in on-site clinical services and occupational health program management, WorkCare helps employers build trust, improve preparedness, and enhance the health and safety of their workforce through: 

• Embedded clinical staffing for full-time, part-time, or as-needed support 

• Comprehensive management and oversight of on-site clinics 

• Expert medical leadership and consulting services 

• Mental health and wellness services integrated with physical care 

• Training, communication, and emergency response planning 

WorkCare solutions are designed to reduce risk, increase trust, and ensure your workforce feels protected both physically and psychologically. 

Let’s Build a Safer Workplace Together 

Closing the workplace safety gap isn’t just about meeting regulatory standards; it’s about meeting people where they are. It’s about listening, responding, and creating environments where employees can focus on their work because they know their health, safety, and well-being are truly prioritized. 

At WorkCare, we’re here to help you lead with care. 

Ready to transform on-site safety at your organization? 

Contact us to learn more about our customizable clinic solutions and expert occupational health services.