3 Tips to Help Prevent Workplace Violence

Unfortunately, workplace violence is something every business must be prepared for. According to OSHA, workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at work. Between 2011 and 2018, nearly 6,000 injuries resulting from workplace violence were reported, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over 60% of the injuries were workplace homicides, and nearly 80% of the homicides were the result of a shooting by another person.

Workplace violence is often triggered from one of three types of employee-related interactions: employee versus employee, employee versus customer, or employee challenges outside of work. Although it is important to be prepared in the event an incident occurs, managing workplace violence starts with prevention. Listed below are a few things to consider when looking to minimize the chances of a workplace incident becoming elevated.

Employee vs. employee 

• Create a recruitment strategy to hire great employees. This includes asking integrity-related questions in the interview, sharing your culture of respect, and considering criminal background checks.
• Provide training for managers on conflict resolution, harassment, and inclusion.
• Create a way for employees to communicate concerns they have with another employee without fear of retaliation.
• Consider having a mediation program to help resolve employee disputes.
• When dealing with HR-related actions like terminations, be respectful and try not to embarrass or cause undo animosity.  

Employee vs. customer 

• Identify any organizational interactions that could cause an incident with a customer and create a plan to de-escalate.
• Provide training for your employees related to interpersonal skills, de-escalation techniques, and recognizing behavioral cues.
• Have a procedure for employees to be able to report any concerning customer behaviors or comments they observe or receive.
• Create a culture of customer satisfaction. When your employees provide great customer service, it creates a positive relationship with the community and helps your business be seen in a positive light.

Employee home-related situations that spill over into work

• Provide information to your employees on how to seek help if they are having troubles outside the workplace (employee assistance program).
• Create a confidential program with HR to allow employees to share any concerns they may have without penalty.
• Offer management training on looking for behavioral changes with employees and how best to handle those situations.