Violence In The Workplace

According to the Justice Department, approximately one-sixth of all violent crimes occur in the workplace, that is almost 1 million violent crimes per year. The study also found that 8% of all rapes, 7% of all robberies, and 16% of all assaults occur at work. It has been noted that stress escalates the potential for workplace violence, and many workplaces unknowingly contribute to employee stress.

"The workplace is really just a microcosm of society, and it often becomes a pressure cooker," says Mark Braverman PhD., author of Preventing Workplace Violence: A Guide for Employees and Practitioners. "Some people are vulnerable and break down in particular ways. Violence is one response to unbearable stress, as are physical illness, mental illness, and suicide." In addition to acts of violence, stress and other crime-related factors result in lost workdays and reduced levels of production for employees.

In most cases, people tend to commit acts of violence on people they know. The perpetrator usually falls into one of four groups: current or former employees, assailants who have or had personal relations with the victim outside of work, customers or clients of the workplace or the victim, and strangers to the workplace who enter only to commit a criminal act. As stated by a recent Gallup poll, 18% of American workers believe that they personally know someone who is capable of committing an act of violence in the workplace.

A report from the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that disputes among co-workers and with customers and clients accounted for about 14% of the homicides committed in the workplace, many occurring after the worker was fired, or the customer was asked to leave the premises.

According to Dr. William G. Durkin, former employee assistance program manager for Arco, Los Angeles, and consultant with Los Angeles-based RHR International Co., potentially violent individuals possess some of the same general characteristics.

They -

• Are inflexible and chronically disgruntled.
• Often suffer from paranoid disorders.
• Cause trouble on the job.
• Are quick to perceive unfairness or malice in others.
• Refuse to take responsibility for problems.
• Often challenge management requests (passively or actively).
• Change jobs frequently.
• Have a deep sense of entitlement.
• Have a past history of violent acts.

Although there is no way to prevent every instance of violence in the workplace, there are some precautionary measures that you can take to reduce the occurrence.

• Implement a procedure by which employees and managers can report, assess, and respond to incidents quickly.
• Establish clear standards of conduct and enforce them consistently.
• Apply discipline consistently and fairly.
• Supervisors should model positive behavior.
• Implement a process by which employees can seek resolution of problems and complaints.
• Make sure that there are adequate pre-employment screening procedures in place.
• Develop an on-going program of supervisory skills training and training for employees in conflict resolution.
• Pre-plan for major workplace events, such as downsizing/layoffs, major reorganizations, and the sale, relocation or closing of a facility.

A company can also take security precautions, such as limiting access to the workplace, enhancing lighting and visibility, training employees, and installing security devices such as alarms and closed circuit cameras. Another important step is to create a "zero tolerance" atmosphere where violence and threats of violence are investigated, and if need be, firm action is taken.

Acts of violence in the workplace are relatively hard to predict, but through an understanding of the facts and legal risks involved, and by taking the necessary precautions, companies can reduce the number of incidents, while creating a safer place of employment.