Top 6 Ways to Prevent Violence in the Workplace

Due to the significant impact of workplace violation issues on the business, today’s employer has realized that preventing violence is not someone else’s job. If you are an employer and want to avoid the threats of unnecessary lawsuits, you must promote a culture in your organization that supports safety and respect for everyone. Have a look at a few ways to ensure such a culture.  

1. Foster a supportive work environment

You can reduce hostility and harassment in the workplace by developing a friendly culture of mutual respect among employees. In such an atmosphere, employees feel free to discuss things openly and get support and recognition easily. This feeling of freedom and safety motivates employees to work cooperatively.

2. Develop effective policies

If you want to build an environment devoid of violence and harassment, you need a system in place that can maintain check and balance. You can incorporate a specific violence clause to your general policy for workplace safety. Your policy must feature accountability of employees that use company property (mail, e-mail, phone) to harass anyone, and the rights of violence victims. No tolerance for harassment or any other act of prejudice; must also be part of the policy.

3. Train your supervisors and HR staff

It’s better to prevent an incident of harassment and intervene before it takes a serious turn. Train your supervisors to recognize signs of a potentially violent employee; like threatening behavior towards other employees. They should know how to respond and who to refer to, in case of any violent situations. Educate senior managers about the need for training to prevent workplace violence. Your supervisors or managers must be able to scan behavioral health of employees and deal with them properly, rather than aggravating the situation by offering personal advice.    

4. Set up an Employee Assistance Program

Factors like family issues, financial problems and personal issues have a profound effect on employee performance. You must incorporate an employee assistance program in the workplace that should provide employees with a confidential resource to address their personal concerns. In addition, trained supervisors can be helpful in promoting non-violent behavior among depressed employees. If a violent situation arises at work, these support services can also help employees to cope with their fears and concerns.    

5. Implement security programs

You have many options to ensure your employee’s safety; like full-time security guards, monitoring cameras, limited access key cards, strict visitor policy, emergency warning systems, and safety awareness programs and trainings. Coordinate with your security department to implement effective workplace safety response strategies and provide means to assist victimized employees. Evaluate your security programs regularly to make sure that they are meeting your company’s and employees’ needs.

6. Set up a crises plan

Give your employees a proper crises plan to how they should react in a situation like this. They should know how to report the incident, which authority personnel they should alert, and how to ensure safety of unaffected workers present around them. This plan must include a list of phone numbers of the nearest police station, hospital and domestic violence services and other necessary information.

Maintenance of a safe, respectful and violence free work environment will bring success for your business or organization, as it encourages your employees to work efficiently and in cooperation with one another. So, apply these strategies and enjoy the benefits.