Workplace violence
Workplace violence is the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against another person or against the property of the workplace which causes or is likely to cause harm. It can be physical, verbal, psychological, or sexual in nature. Examples of workplace violence include:
- Physical violence, such as hitting, punching, pushing, or kicking.
- Verbal violence, such as threatening, intimidating, or coercive language.
- Psychological violence, such as humiliation, manipulation, or isolation.
- Sexual violence, such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, or rape.
Workplace violence can have a significant impact on employees, their families, and their coworkers. It can lead to lower morale, decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and physical and psychological injuries. It is important for employers to create a safe work environment and to address any incidents of workplace violence in a timely manner.
Example of Workplace violence
Workplace violence can take many forms, from physical attacks to psychological and sexual assaults. Physical violence includes any physical attack or threat of physical attack, such as hitting, punching, pushing, or kicking. Verbal violence includes any verbal attack or threat of verbal attack, such as threatening, intimidating, or coercive language. Psychological violence includes any psychological attack or threat of psychological attack, such as humiliation, manipulation, or isolation. Sexual violence includes any sexual attack or threat of sexual attack, such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, or rape. Workplace violence can have a detrimental effect on employees, their families, and their coworkers, and is important to address promptly and effectively.
When to use Workplace violence
Workplace violence should always be avoided if possible. However, in certain situations, it may be necessary to use physical force or power in order to protect oneself or another person from imminent danger. Examples of such situations include defending against an armed assailant or intervening in a fight between coworkers. In these cases, it is important to use the minimum amount of force necessary to defuse the situation and to take measures to ensure the safety of all involved.
Types of Workplace violence
Workplace violence can be divided into four main categories:
- Criminal intent: This includes any violent acts committed by somebody with the intent to cause harm to another person or property. Examples include robbery, assault, murder, or terrorism.
- Customer/client: This involves any violent acts by a customer or client towards an employee. Examples include threats, verbal abuse, physical assault, or vandalism.
- Worker-on-worker: This involves any violent acts committed by an employee towards another employee. Examples include threats, verbal abuse, physical assault, or harassment.
- Personal relationship: This involves any violence between two people in a personal relationship, such as a romantic relationship or family member. Examples include domestic violence, stalking, or harassment.
No matter the type, workplace violence can have a significant impact on employee morale, productivity, and safety. It is important for employers to take proactive steps to create a safe and secure work environment, to address any incidents of workplace violence, and to provide support for employees who have experienced or witnessed violence.
Steps of fighting Workplace violence
Workplace violence can be prevented by following a few steps:
- Establish a workplace violence prevention policy: This should include clear expectations and guidelines for acceptable behavior in the workplace.
- Train employees: Employees should be trained on the workplace violence prevention policy and on how to recognize and report any potential incidents of workplace violence.
- Educate employees: Employees should be educated on the potential signs of workplace violence and how to respond if they are faced with a violent situation.
- Monitor the workplace: Employers should monitor the workplace for any potential signs of violence and take appropriate measures to address any issues that arise.
- Respond quickly to any incidents of workplace violence: It is important to respond quickly and appropriately to any incidents of workplace violence in order to ensure the safety of all employees.
By following these steps, employers can ensure a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. Workplace violence can be prevented by creating a workplace violence prevention policy, training employees, educating employees, monitoring the workplace, and responding quickly to any incidents of workplace violence. Taking these steps will help to ensure the safety and well-being of all employees.
Limitations of fighting Workplace violence
Workplace violence fighting is limited by the nature of the workplace, the resources available to respond to violence, and the policies and procedures that are in place to protect employees. For example, in a factory setting, physical violence may be more difficult to prevent and respond to than in an office setting. Additionally, the resources available to respond to violence, such as security personnel or emergency response teams, may be limited. Finally, the policies and procedures in place to protect employees may not be adequate to address all types of workplace violence.
Other approaches related to Workplace violence include creating policies to prevent it, providing training for employees, and establishing a zero-tolerance policy for any incidents. Employers should also have a system in place to respond quickly to any reports of workplace violence. This could include creating a reporting system, having a designated person to investigate any complaints, and providing support for victims. It is also important for employers to ensure that all employees understand the consequences for engaging in workplace violence. By taking these steps, employers can help create a safe and productive work environment for everyone.
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References
- Piquero, N. L., Piquero, A. R., Craig, J. M., & Clipper, S. J. (2013). Assessing research on workplace violence, 2000-2012. Aggression and violent behavior, 18(3), 383-394.
- Barling, J. (1996). The prediction, experience, and consequences of workplace violence.
