Human Resources
Workplace violence is a real threat
W
orkplace violence, or threats of violence, can be spontaneous outbursts like an angry customer who perceives they are receiving poor service, or it can be premeditated, such as when a person intentionally sends threats to an organisation. Wherever we have people, the potential for conflict is also present. Conflict is a natural part of human interaction, but the outcome of the conflict can sometimes have positive results like an improved relationship. The workplace is no exception to this rule when it comes to human interaction as people spend most of their day in the
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my office magazine
workplace. Categories of offenders There are four categories of offenders against employees: • strangers • (ex)customers • other (ex)employees, and • intimate partners of employees. In extreme situations it can sadly lead to lethal violence. Although most conflict will be safely resolved by the parties involved, or defused naturally over time, it happens that conflict can lead to longterm psychological and physical harm. What do we mean by “violence”? In the field of threat assessment, violence is typically defined as any actual, attempted, or planned violence towards another. It includes communications or
behaviours that causes others to fear for their safety, and includes sexual violence, and workplace bullying and harassment. When referring to workplace violence, the response is often “we don’t have that in our company”, or a blank stare. When asked if they have ever had a dissatisfied customer who threatened employees, or an employee whose soon-to-be exboyfriend constantly harasses her at the workplace, or threatens staff whom he believes are having an “affair” with his partner/spouse, the response changes. Where threats come from Threats can come from anyone – from a soon-to-be dismissed employee who makes comments like “you will all regret this” or comes back after dismissal with a July 2022
