What is workplace violence and how do we deal with it?
Any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behaviour that occurs at the work site and endangers an employee’s physical safety or health is defined as workplace violence. Included in this definition are a wide range of behaviours, from verbal threats of assault to physical assaults, and even murder. This behaviour can affect and include employees, clients, customers and visitors.
When it comes to violence, every workplace should have a plan and policy or system.. The more you train your team on the outcomes and procedures the more likely you will reduce its impact within your business.
Who is at risk of violence in the workplace?
Every year, thousands of Australians report incidents of workplace violence at their workplace. Many more cases probably go unreported. Recent studies have identified a number of factors that may put some workers at an increased risk of violence: these include: contact with the general public with exchange of money eg banks; contact with people whose moods or mental states can be unstable; working alone or in isolated areas; and working with the general public or other populations that can be violent or threatening.
How can you reduce the risk of violence in the workplace?
The risk of being assaulted in most workplaces – where risk factors can be identified – can be avoided or minimised if employers take appropriate precautions. One of the best measures that employers can take to protect their workers is a zero tolerance policy on workplace violence. Make sure this is one that applies to all employees, patients, customers, visitors, contractors and anyone else who might have contact with company employees. Your business needs to have a policy otherwise it can be legally responsible for encouraging this type of abuse.
Tips for preventing violence in the workplace
Reduce the number of available resources
Preventing potential violence and robbery in the workplace can be facilitated by keeping your assets (valuable property) in your facility at an absolute bare minimum. Reduce the amount of money you use and opt for electronic payment systems; better yet keep everything you can in your bank account and register for direct debit. It is recommended also to only store cash in a lockable safe.
Ensure security and monitor guests
Also add extra layers of security; you can station security guards on premises, install security or surveillance cameras throughout, and perhaps consider some sort of “check-in” process where all visitors must register. Additionally provide them with “guest” badges that identify them as visitors to your facility.
Introduce a zero tolerance policy for all forms of violence in the workplace
It is important to develop policies to encourage your staff to report all instances of harassment as well as any other behaviours that might be hazardous to a successful office culture. A zero-tolerance policy should never allow for bias treatment. This means that penalties should always be enforced consistently across all employees who go against the rules, no matter their position or ability.
Provide training on workplace violence
All employees must be given training sessions to bring them up to speed on situation where there is a risk of violence occurring in the workplace. They should know how to spot a situation that may result in violence and how to react in the event of violence.
Workplace harassment and violence is something we are all dealing with more after the Covid 19 Pandemic. It seems that the cost of living issues, stress in the workplace, health issues etc are all coming together to build a melting pot of anger and frustration. Nipping this type of behaviour in the bud is vital for a successful business.
If you or someone is experiencing violence we ask that you seek assistance from your manager or someone close to you.
Francis has a background in Computing, Mathematics and Business Strategy. He contributes to articles and posts in relation to workplace processes, policies and management of teams.
