You read in the news occasionally that there has been a violent incident at a business, factory or other work site. It could be that an employee, or former employee, has gotten angry and attacked others. In some cases, there have been brutal assaults and murders. These are the extremes that make the national news. More commonly, and rarely publicized, are cases in which an incensed employee's emotional outburst creates tension and anxiety for co-workers. Unfortunately, anger and violence is common in the workplace. According to the "Workplace Violence Headquarters" website, 25 percent of all employees are victims of attacks, threats or harassment annually.
Types
The two main types of workplace violence are physical and verbal. The most severe type of violence is murder. A physical assault is the second most severe type of workplace violence. More common examples of workplace violence are verbal threats, intimidation, bullying and harassment.
Misconceptions
Employers and employees often believe workplace violence cannot be perpetrated at their own workplace. They do not believe it can happen to them. Others think there is no way to prevent the violence. In reality, there are many strategies that can be used to decrease the amount of violence in the workplace.
Profile of Aggressors
While it is impossible to always predict who will commit violence in the workplace, many aggressors fit a particular profile. The most typical aggressors are white men over the age of 30. Most of those likely to commit violence are current employees. These persons could have a prior history of violent behavior that includes angry outbursts. Many of these individuals may have known personality conflicts with one or more co-workers. These individuals may also tend to spend much time alone, including breaks and lunches. They are also frustrated with certain aspects of the job. Remember these are just typical attributes. Any of these situations could indicate the potential for workplace aggression.
Warning Signs
According to the "Workplace Violence Headquarters" website, 99 percent of the time you will see warning signs that a person will erupt in violence on the job. These signals include threatening statements, emotional unstable behavior (such as muttering to himself), performance problems and mistakes, strange behavior, a lack of interest in hygiene and appearance. Physical signs may be present as well, including redness of face, sweating, clenching fists, breathing hard and pacing.
Triggers
A single event can sometimes push an employee prone to violence or the edge. These commonly include a bad performance review, a demotion, a change in work schedule or criticism from a fellow worker. Problems in life outside of work can also trigger violent behavior in the workplace including the end of a romance, great financial debt or an illness or death in the family.
Prevention/Solution
Employers can help prevent violence in the workplace by using certain strategies. The first line of defense is to do careful background checks in which you check for prior physical or verbal violence. The second method of helping prevent violence is to predict possible aggressors and implement an anger management program to help these employees deal with possible aggressive tendencies. Another strategy to prevent violence is to educate all the employees--including managers--on how to work together well by using good communication, active listening, mediation and compromise. Finally, employers should institute a zero tolerance program forbidding all types of workplace violence and implement effective security measures to help prevent and control any incidents.
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