Re: Violence in the Workplace

I am so tired of hearing managers and supervisors blamed for acts of violence in the workplace. There is simply no excuse for taking violent action against anyone you work with or for. I can understand that there are factors which can trigger such behavior, they never excuse it. Managers and supervisors need to behave professionally to get the work done (and I agree that yelling and screaming aren't professional), but employees also need to behave appropriately on the job. Training the supervisors will only help if the employees get training on how to behave appropriately as well.

Re: Violence in the Workplace

I had the same questions you had, I hope a follow-up article will address them.

I've been to one violence-in-the-workplace class that consisted largely of preaching about violence is bad and was useless. Why not have these classes teach basic safety skills, such as always being aware of where the nearest exit is?

Re: Violence in the Workplace

I feel the real challenge in dealing with Workplace Violence is understanding what can trigger it. Having dealt with Workplace Violence a number of times, the triggers can be very different. An employee commited suicide (not at work) because of the potential rif that was to occur. His coworkers were indirectly responsible for his choice because they fed his fears at work that he was going to loose his job which in the end he would not have lost. Supervisors and co-workers can and do trigger workplace violence based upon how they conduct themselves. Outside personnal problems trigger workplace violence such as drug, alcohol use and domestic problems at home. People snap for a number of different reasons. The challenge for supervisors and co-workers is to see it coming and understand what is triggering it and report it. Workplace bullying is probably the most common cause of workplace violence at work. Some people take pleasure in kicking someone when they are down.