Ways to Prevent Workplace Violence

 

Workplace violence is a serious concern that can have devastating effects on employees and organizations alike. Preventing such incidents requires a comprehensive approach involving policies, training, and a supportive work environment (Yesilbas and Baykal, 2021).

Creating and enforcing clear policies regarding workplace behaviour and violence is the first step in prevention. These policies should define what constitutes workplace violence, including physical assaults, threats, harassment, and bullying. Procedures for reporting incidents should be straightforward and accessible, ensuring employees feel safe and supported when raising concerns (Wirth et al., 2021). Regular risk assessments help identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities within the workplace. These assessments should evaluate physical security measures, work environments, and employee interactions. Identifying areas of risk allows organizations to implement targeted measures to mitigate potential threats (Spelten et al., 2022).

Training programs are essential for educating employees and managers about recognizing, preventing, and responding to workplace violence. Training should cover conflict resolution, stress management, and recognizing early warning signs of violent behaviour. Managers should also receive training on how to handle reports of violence and support affected employees (Somani et al., 2021). A positive work environment can significantly reduce the risk of workplace violence. Promoting respect, inclusivity, and open communication helps build a supportive culture where employees feel valued and understood. Regular team-building activities and opportunities for employee engagement can strengthen relationships and reduce tension (Somani et al., 2021).

Physical security measures can deter potential acts of violence. These measures might include access controls (such as ID badges and secure entry points), surveillance cameras, well-lit parking areas, and emergency alert systems. Ensuring that the workplace is secure can provide peace of mind and prevent unauthorized access (SCARAMUZZINO, 2020). Encouraging employees to report any concerns or incidents of violence is crucial. Establishing anonymous reporting channels can help those who might fear retaliation. Once a report is made, it is essential to provide appropriate support to affected employees, including access to counselling services and time off if needed (Lian and Dong, 2021).

Having a well-defined crisis response plan is vital for managing incidents of workplace violence. This plan should outline steps for immediate response, communication protocols, and roles and responsibilities of staff during a crisis. Regularly practicing these response plans through drills can ensure that employees know how to react in an emergency (Kumari et al., 2022). Thoroughly screening potential employees during the hiring process can help identify individuals who might pose a risk. Background checks, reference checks, and behavioural interview questions can provide insights into a candidate’s history and temperament. This proactive approach helps prevent hiring individuals with a history of violent behaviour (Kumari et al., 2020).

High levels of stress can contribute to workplace violence. Providing resources to help employees manage stress, such as wellness programs, flexible work schedules, and access to mental health services, can mitigate this risk. Ensuring that workloads are manageable and that employees have adequate support can also reduce stress levels (Bernardes et al., 2020). Continually monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of violence prevention measures is crucial. Gathering feedback from employees and reviewing incident reports can help identify areas for improvement. Regularly updating policies, training, and security measures ensures that they remain effective and relevant (Antão et al., 2020).

Conclusion

Preventing workplace violence requires a multi-faceted approach that includes clear policies, regular risk assessments, comprehensive training, and a supportive work environment. By implementing physical security measures, encouraging reporting, developing a crisis response plan, screening potential employees, addressing workplace stress, and continually monitoring and evaluating preventive measures, organizations can create a safer and more secure workplace. This proactive stance not only protects employees but also promotes a positive organizational culture and enhances overall productivity.

References

• Antão, H.S., Sacadura-Leite, E., Manzano, M.J., Pinote, S., Relvas, R., Serranheira, F. and Sousa-Uva, A. (2020) ‘Workplace violence in healthcare: a single-center study on causes, consequences and prevention strategies’, Acta Médica Portuguesa, 33(1), pp. 31–37.
• Bernardes, M.L.G., Karino, M.E., Martins, J.T., Okubo, C.V.C., Galdino, M.J.Q. and Moreira, A.A.O. (2020) ‘Workplace violence among nursing professionals’, Revista brasileira de medicina do trabalho, 18(3), p. 250.
• Kumari, A., Kaur, T., Ranjan, P., Chopra, S., Sarkar, S. and Baitha, U. (2020) ‘Workplace violence against doctors: characteristics, risk factors, and mitigation strategies’, Journal of postgraduate medicine, 66(3), pp. 149–154.
• Kumari, A., Sarkar, S., Ranjan, P., Chopra, S., Kaur, T., Baitha, U., Chakrawarty, A. and Klanidhi, K.B. (2022) ‘Interventions for workplace violence against health-care professionals: A systematic review’, Work, 73(2), pp. 415–427.
• Lian, Y. and Dong, X. (2021) ‘Exploring social media usage in improving public perception on workplace violence against healthcare workers’, Technology in Society, 65, p. 101559.
• SCARAMUZZINO, G. (2020) ‘Workplace violence’, Sociologisk forskning, 57(3/4), pp. 249–270.
• Somani, R., Muntaner, C., Hillan, E., Velonis, A.J. and Smith, P. (2021) ‘A systematic review: effectiveness of interventions to de-escalate workplace violence against nurses in healthcare settings’, Safety and health at work, 12(3), pp. 289–295.
• Spelten, E., Van Vuuren, J., O’Meara, P., Thomas, B., Grenier, M., Ferron, R., Helmer, J. and Agarwal, G. (2022) ‘Workplace violence against emergency health care workers: What Strategies do Workers use?’, BMC Emergency Medicine, 22(1), p. 78. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12873-022-00621-9.
• Wirth, T., Peters, C., Nienhaus, A. and Schablon, A. (2021) ‘Interventions for workplace violence prevention in emergency departments: a systematic review’, International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(16), p. 8459.
• Yesilbas, H. and Baykal, U. (2021) ‘Causes of workplace violence against nurses from patients and their relatives: A qualitative study’, Applied nursing research, 62, p. 151490.