Dealing with Violence at Work

Dealing with Violence at work

1. What should managers do if they suspect an employee may become violent on the job?

If a manager suspects that a person may become violent on the job, the manager needs to take a look at the work environment, work practices, and the individual himself. It is the manager’s responsibility to attempt to prevent any aggression at work.

The first thing the manager can do is provide information to all of the employees regarding workplace violence. This can be done by circulating information through emails, pamphlets, and providing mandatory group training sessions for everyone. This will help get the topic in the open, and allow people to communicate about workplace violence. The Human Resource department can also provide a counseling program over the phone as a benefit from the company, which will allow employees to talk about their problems with a professional.

The manager needs to look at the work environment of the individual. Does the worker work in a loud area, a hot unventilated area, have a position that handles money, works by himself or in a team? Any of these situations can be modified in an attempt to provide the individual a different environment.

Job design can also be modified. If it appears that the individual is overworked or stressed, make sure that job tasks are not overwhelming and are clearly defined. Also make sure that working hours are not excessive.

Changing work practices will help to limit dissatisfaction among an individual. If it appears someone is not happy in their current position, allow that individual to work in another area of the company through staff rotation. Once these changes have been made, it is important to monitor behavior to see if these changes had made a difference to the individual.

Finally, management needs to take a look at the individual himself. Management needs to look at the individual’s characteristics, personal life, financial situation (if possible),...