top of page
griffin jd.jpg

PROJECT: THE IMPACT OF CRIME ON SOCIETY'S WELL-BEING

YOU MAY SHARE THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT

 

The recent report by the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) reveals that crime has become a significant concern

for South African workers, with nearly half of them reporting that fears related to crime are affecting their sleep.

 

This finding points to a deep-rooted societal issue where crime not only impacts physical safety but also contributes

to mental health challenges, impacting personal and professional productivity.

 
  • Persistent crime fears contribute significantly to mental health challenges such as anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress.

  • Constant vigilance and stress over personal safety can lead to hypervigilance and a "fight-or-flight" response, exhausting mental and physical resources.

  • Additionally, the trauma from direct or indirect crime experiences (like witnessing crimes or knowing victims) has a compounding effect, leading to stress and sleep issues that can disrupt daily life and work performance.

  • The report underscores a correlation between crime fears and declining productivity.

  • Employees distracted by safety concerns or sleepless nights will likely experience diminished focus, creativity, and engagement at work.

  • This translates to lower productivity and potentially increased business absenteeism, as workers may need time off to address health issues or recover from high stress.

  • Chronic stress also impacts teamwork, as individuals with high anxiety levels may be less collaborative or communicative with their peers.

  • Crime's influence on the workforce incurs costs at both personal and organisational levels.

  • Beyond the immediate health care costs, employers face indirect costs owing to reduced productivity and the need to create additional security measures in the workplace.

  • For instance, companies may need to invest in employee transportation services, install security systems, or hire additional security personnel to create a safe work environment.

  • These measures, while necessary, place a financial strain on businesses and impact South Africa's broader economic stability and potential for growth.

  • High stress levels and lack of safety may lead to increased employee turnover as workers seek more secure environments or even consider relocating.

  • This sentiment is particularly prevalent among skilled workers, who may look for opportunities outside South Africa, contributing to a "brain drain" where talent and skill are lost to safer regions or countries.

  • Those who remain may experience low morale, with reduced confidence in their workplace and community, further impacting the work culture and organisational climate.

  • Workers' anxieties about crime extend beyond the individual to their families.

  • When parents, for instance, are affected by crime fears, this anxiety often transfers to their children and other dependents, contributing to intergenerational stress and a sense of vulnerability within communities.

  • Families, especially those in crime-ridden areas, may feel increasingly isolated, leading to a withdrawal from community activities, which further erodes social cohesion.

  • The report suggests that government and community interventions are urgently needed to address crime and its psychological impacts.

  • Effective crime prevention strategies, such as increased policing, education, and technology investment (like surveillance), can help reduce crime rates.

  • Collaboration between government, businesses, and communities is essential to foster safer environments and provide adequate mental health support for those affected by crime fears.

  • Many companies are recognising the need to address the mental health impact of crime-related fears and are implementing wellness programs focused on mental health support.

  • These programs may include counselling services, stress management workshops, and financial planning assistance for personal security measures.

  • Organisations are increasingly investing in security measures, both physical and digital, to protect employees and reduce the risk of crime.

  • These measures include secure transportation arrangements, fortified entry and exit points, surveillance systems in offices, and promoting remote work when feasible.

  • By reinforcing employees' physical safety, businesses can alleviate workers' worries about personal security.

 

The GIBS report underscores a critical societal challenge: the urgent need for comprehensive crime reduction strategies to enhance citizens' quality of life. Widespread crime-related fears constrain South Africa's growth potential,

significantly affecting tourism, foreign investment, and workforce development.

 

REFERENCE:

 

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Group.

This group is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.


HOW TO JOIN THE MIKE BOLHUIS DAILY PROJECTS WHATSAPP GROUP:

 
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
 

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

Fax: 086 585 4924

Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -


EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.


STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.


POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv

 
SSS TASK TEAM:
 
 

Copyright © 2015- PRESENT | Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services | All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:

Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services

PO Box 15075 Lynn East

Pretoria, Gauteng 0039

South Africa

Add us to your address book


THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT WAS INTENDED TO BE SHARED, PLEASE DO SO.

443 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page