Use These Strategies to Prevent Workplace Violence

Bullying isn’t a topic that stays in the schoolyard anymore, and it is estimated that nearly 2 million cases of workplace violence are reported every year. Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of Labor states that countless other cases may go unreported. To help create a safe working environment for employees, clients, and visitors, American Labor Services would like to share a few strategies that can help diffuse any argument and prevent violent outbursts from happening in the first place.

“Workplace violence can be caused by several factors,” said Ben Kaplan, President of American Labor. “Regardless of how violence may come about, every person has the right to feel safe wherever they are and employers have the power to reduce the likelihood of violence from occurring at their establishment.”

While some factors can increase the likelihood of workplace violence that is out of the control of employers, the office of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) has studied this topic in depth and has developed programs that deal with these issues exclusively. OSHA’s suggestions detail prevention from the perspective of employers, but we would also like to share strategies that can help employees safely respond to microaggressions in the workplace:

Create a Zero Tolerance Policy

Employers should create signs that clearly describe grounds for dismissal, and they should not be afraid to enforce their policy when lines are crossed.

Employees Should try to Remain Calm if Tensions Rise

Many fights happen because people say or do things when they are angry. Ask employees to remain calm to avoid saying something that might incite violence.

Do Not Punish Employees for Reporting Violence in the Workplace

Employees should have a company representative they can confide in to share incidences of violence. They should also be able to report these cases without fear of repercussions.

Ask Employees to Listen and Respond by Reflecting Concerns

Miscommunication is the source of many heated arguments that could have easily been avoided. An essential interpersonal skill employees should be informed about is to simply listen and respond to conversations in a way that addresses the other person’s perspective.

Establish a Violence Prevention Program

Employees should be able to easily find information about violence prevention and resources available to them in an employee handbook. It is also important that every worker understand that every case will be investigated thoroughly.

Promote a Compromise for Everyone Involved

For a compromise to successfully occur, both employees should hear the other’s side of the story and employers can help facilitate these conversations. Moreover, simply knowing about the challenges others are facing can be enough to diffuse arguments or future violence.

American Labor has been helping connect individuals with meaningful employment for decades. With a mission to provide employers with a pool of qualified candidates, American Labor would like to remind the community that we are always looking for talented and skilled workers. Learn about our openings and why you can trust us for your staffing needs by visiting americanlaborservices.com