Reducing the Risk of Violence in the Workplace We hear about horrible acts of violence that happen in the workplace. The media pick up on every case and splashes it across the networks. TV dramas especially love workplace violence scenarios. A disgruntled former employee or a cheating bosses wife or a desperate, stressed out employee make great TV villains. Unfortunately, these situations happen all too often. Experts have identified several ways to predict and prevent violent acts in the workplace. Here are a few of the biggies:
Keep a Wary Eye Observation is one of the key strategies to stop violence before it happens. Noticing changes in behavior, attitude, mood, and speech can be telling indicators of how an employee or client is feeling. If an employee begins snapping out, yelling, punching walls, or talking violently, there is a good chance that that person may resort to violence soon. Other common changes in behavior that precede violence include excessive drinking, verbal approval of other violent actions, decline in personal hygiene, and stress about family or financial situations. If an employee or client begins acting in such a way, it is important to get them help. Many third-party businesses offer security and harassment training. Other companies develop in-house programs that encourage openness, communication, problem-solving, and other trainings that can settle conflicts in a non-violent and productive way. It is important for all companies to ensure the satisfaction of its employees and clients. Unresolved problems can easily escalate to violence.
Additional Security Counter to popular belief, most workplace violence is a result of an outsider – not an employee or client. Most violence results from an outsider trying to steal something. The risk of someone coming into your workplace, armed and violent can be decreased by extra security measures. Key-card doors and security guards can go a long way in securing an area from unwanted visitors. Technical updates like security cameras, well-lit parking lots, and emergency alarms are also excellent ways to protect your workplace. Although these measures are more helpful in the event of a violent incident, they can also act as deterrents. The easier the target, the better. So make your workplace a target that’s not so easy to break into.
Security Practices Similar to adding additional security to your workplace is employing common security practices that deter violent crooks. Requiring every employee and visitor to wear an approved name badge will help
keep disgruntled guests out. Making sure that large amounts of cash are not left in your workplace (especially at night) is another measure that will decrease the likelihood of a break in. Another helpful practice is to conduct background checks or screenings for every new employee and annual updates on current ones. While some may find this invasive, certain companies would be considered very irresponsible if they were to entrust access to their company’s facilities and information to just anybody. The safety of a company’s employees, clients, and visitors is of utmost importance. Even though many of the above mentioned security measures may cost a great deal of money, it is nothing compared to the loss of life that could occur if these steps were not taken. Photo Credit: 3.bp.blogspot.com, 1.bp.blogspot.com