Every year, thousands of cases are reported to HR by harrowed employees who have been victims of one or another type of workplace violence. The sad part is that almost half the time, such cases of acts of violence and workplace aggression go unreported and the offender is still at large. Judging by those grievances that did get relayed, it is safe to say, there is a large number of working professionals nationwide (both in the public as well as private sectors), who has to deal with threats, acts of physical assault, verbal abuse, mental harassment and other forms of violence at the workplace.
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This is a rising concern with employers across industries, and there is mutual agreement that keeping their employees safe from the damaging effects of violence is crucial. But in order to ensure that workers feel safe in their place of occupation, it is important to lay the groundwork for all subsequent measures due to be taken. The first and foremost step in any workplace violence prevention program has to be the acknowledgement that acts of aggression against employees and workers are not just limited to inside the office premises but can happen anywhere (outside office or during on-duty commute to meetings/conferences etc) and anytime. Although, workplace violence is not uncommon in every field, the population who is at a far greater risk of facing acts of aggression while at work is higher in certain industries (viz health care, real estate, social services, human and animal welfare services, personal security services etc.) Factoring in, that the professionals in some industries like those mentioned above, may have to work in community settings, in rural areas, travel during odd hours of the day or night, and work either alone or in very small groups with little to no security, puts them in much greater jeopardy.
Not too long ago, violence against health care professionals was making headlines in the Indian news and across social media platforms. This shows the threat of facing various types of workplace aggression is as real as it gets, and taking preventive measures urgently is the need of the hour. Companies and employers are getting more proactive in taking such measures and emphasizing on providing training to their employees on how to handle workplace violence. Crisis management needs to take a more holistic approach and workplace violence training is a sure fire away to help employees prepare for any potential threats. A checklist needs to be in place, self defence training sessions must be made mandatory for all employees, regular one-on-ones with each employee of the company should be made the norm to get a better idea if anyone is feeling threatened, or to simply get to understand the goings-on in the work environment at all levels.
Creating a safe and secure environment for employees to work in is key. Well trained security guards need to be stationed at all entries and exits, patrolling the premises during work hours including basements, fire exits, and canteens if any, and having the guards maintain a regular log of all activities as well as reporting suspicious activity to the HR immediately. Apart from manpower, companies are also making the most of tangible safeguards in the form of digital security devices such as 24*7 video surveillance cameras, doors with alarm systems, smart technology based security systems that can track each employee’s ID cards, and metal/weapon detectors at the premises gate. But most of all, employers are enforcing a zero-tolerance workplace violence policy, to minimize, or better yet, eliminate any internal threat. It is also important that workers in a company be educated about such policies that have been put in place for their own safety. Workers need to know that their employers have a system in place to offer them support and protection when they need it.
But even after all those security measures, acts of workplace aggression can still occur without a warning, and leave an aftermath that is not just long lasting but also emotionally scarring to the professionals and workers who experience it. Employers and managers need to work alongside the legal department of their organization over key components of their workplace violence prevention program. Strategic planning, risk analysis and careful attention in running a background check before every recruitment is extremely important in avoiding potentially threatening situations. But the most important part is what to do when an unsuspecting violent act comes through. If the violence comes at the hands of a disgruntled existing employee, then termination or suspension could be considered. However, if it is the work of an ex-employee or an outsider, then escalating the matter legally is the most sensible route to go. It is best if company owners appoint a lawyer to deal with such sensitive matters and have all employees save the emergency police helpline numbers in their cell phones, just in case.
But even after all the preventive measures, when an incident of workplace violence does occur, are these measures enough to make the employees feel like they are in a safe environment? Studies show that being a victim or even an onlooker experiencing any types of aggressive acts of violence can have a negative impact on one’s psychological health. And recuperating from it can be very difficult. Incidents of workplace violence have also resulted in victims being diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) that comes in the way of their daily life and can trigger any moment. Thankfully, employers are focusing on all aspects of a workplace security checklist and incorporating holistic solutions to help their employees emotionally, in dealing with acts of violence and brutality. All organizations must design an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help their employees and provide support in any form – moral or emotional – that might be deemed necessary. The EAPs can include having group activities like self-defence workshops, art therapy classes, bonding sessions, an anonymous complaint register and group counselling sessions etc. Such activities can help build the confidence of the workers and help them deal with stress or trauma experienced either at work or in their personal lives.
To sum up, violent attacks like physical assault, stalking, shootings, harassment etc; are a sad reality in the increasingly hostile environment we live in. And workplaces are no safe havens either. So employers and workers need to join forces together to put an end to the face of threat and violence at the workplace.
Reference:
“Safeguarding Employees from Workplace Violence”, Theresa Agovino, 28th June, 2019
