High stress on the job or tension in other areas of life can sometimes lead to the potential for workplace violence. However, a variety of strategies can be adopted to reduce the risk of an incident occurring and identify warning signs that indicate an imminent threat.
Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation or other threatening, disruptive behavior that occurs on the job. It can range from verbal threats and abuse to physical assault and even homicide.
Prevention is key
To protect against the threat of workplace violence, employers should have a prevention program in place. Workers should be trained on and familiar with how to report instances of violence and warning signs that may lead to dangerous scenarios. Some early indicators may include antisocial behavior or isolation, a sense of superiority or righteousness, difficulty getting along with others, a propensity to hold grudges, an inability to accept responsibility for mistakes, a tendency to feel wronged or humiliated, verbally abusive behavior toward others, fascination with guns or weapons, resistance toward authority and regular displays of temper.
There are five primary precursors to violent behavior: confusion, frustration, blame, anger and hostility. If any of these behaviors are observed in a colleague or client, it should be brought to a supervisor’s attention. Most organizations have a “zero-tolerance” policy for workplace violence, which provides anonymity for reporting such observations. That policy should also address intimidation, threats, verbal abuse, profanity, sexual and other forms of harassment, and disruptive or dangerous behavior.
Play it safe
If an encounter with a potentially violent person does occur, it is important to remain calm. When speaking to them, talk slowly, quietly and confidently. Avoid tones or mannerisms that could escalate the situation. Try not to encroach on the individual’s personal space and stand at least 3 to 6 feet away from them, making sure to never stand between them and any means of exit.
Empathy and acknowledgment of their feelings can be helpful. It is important to not criticize, threaten or challenge the person in any manner. Avoid any sudden movements. This can be seen as threatening and make the situation worse.
When the person is vocalizing specific reasons for their demeanor, be willing to accept criticisms. Also consider asking them for possible solutions or recommendations to deescalate the situation. However, never promise anything to resolve the problem that is undeliverable.
Reason with the person by breaking bigger problems into smaller, more manageable ones in a nonthreatening way. Avoid downplaying their problem. If the person cannot be reasoned with, call for help. Do not attempt to bargain with them or try to take sides. Explain to them the potential consequences if their behavior persists.
Create a safe environment
Everyone plays a role in preventing tension with colleagues. This means being respectful of each other’s political and religious beliefs and keeping discussions or conversations of that nature out of the workplace. Every person is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs, but they cannot impose them on others in a work setting.
According to Alex Alonso, chief data and insights officer at the Society for Human Resource Management, “In today’s polarized environment, the data speaks for itself in the ripple effect incivility can have on an individual employee and subsequently, an entire organization … To truly counteract incivility, workplaces must foster cultures that prioritize inclusion and diversity. Encouraging respectful dialogue and focusing on empathy across differences is crucial, especially as external pressures … intensify. By actively addressing incivility and embracing diverse perspectives, organizations can protect productivity, improve employee well-being and strengthen their overall success.”
Finally, it is important to be aware that episodes of workplace violence are not always committed by an employee or coworker. Sometimes it occurs when a criminal attempts to commit a crime on a job site, whether against a person or property. Other times a worker may encounter violence from visitors, customers or clients.
Workers should be aware of their surroundings and means of exit in the event an incident occurs. If there are concerns about safety, employees should avoid working alone in isolated areas, and instead work in places that are well-lit or under video surveillance.
stock.adobe.com / ztony1971
About The Author
O’CONNOR is safety and regulatory affairs manager for Intec, a safety consulting, training and publishing firm. Reach him at [email protected].