A new survey reveals some frightening statistics about the prevalence of violence, or intent of violence, in the workplace. A Violence in the American Workplace survey, conducted by AlliedBarton Security Services & David Michaelson and Co., found that 52% of Americans who work outside their homes “have witnessed, heard about or have experienced a violent event or an event that can lead to violence at their workplace.† According to the study, violence can include open hostility, abusive language or threats and can escalate to significant physical harm to someone by another person.
The survey press release points to the increase in unemployment over the past several years as a reason why these incidents are happening at a high rate and why they may continue to increase.
The survey also found that 28 percent reported that a violent event or one that can lead to violence happened to them at their current place of employment, or they have been personally affected by this type of event.
According to the survey, 29 percent of workers who witnessed, heard about or experienced workplace violence did not report the incident or take other action yet 34% of the 1,030 adults surveyed felt either “somewhat†or “very†concerned for their personal safety at work.
Psychologist Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., who works with clients who have encountered workplace violence, commented on the hesitation of some employees to report office violence: “Many are hesitant to notify anyone of these experiences and fears out of concern that the ‘offender’ [will] find out who reported them and retaliate.”
Yet in order to prevent the incident from happening again or escalating into something worse, employees must report it. “Tell someone – HR, your boss, someone in a position of greater authority than you,” Lombardo stresses. “Given that there are about 500 workplace homicides during a year, it is vital that you be proactive.”
The survey found that following a violent incident, almost all employers (94 percent) took some type of action, the most likely type being meeting with employees.
Yet the best way to curb violence is prevention. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration encourages employers to ensure that a workplace violence prevention program is in place.
Lombardo also has advice on preventative actions employers can take to stop violence before it starts. Her suggestions include:
* Stress and anger management training
* Assistance for alcohol and drug abuse
* Increased employee control, as a perceived lack of control can increase a sense of helplessness and violence
* Demonstration of true caring for employees – employees are valued for who they are and what they do
