Victims of workplace violence commonly describe the perpetrator as a person who unexpectedly snapped. There are common warning signs. Recognize the Danger Signs Perpetrators display several characteristic warning signs. Changes in personal behavior do not always mean that workplace violence will result, but dramatic, especially negative, changes are warning signs that an individual may be in trouble and that violence at work could result. Productivity, retention, safety, morale and even lives may be at stake when employers dismiss, ignore or minimize the risks.
Prevention is the best prescription.
Two unfortunate discoveries are often made after incidents of violence occur. A third, more dangerous discovery, is that many employees don't report their concerns about harassing, hateful or violent behaviors because they fear retaliation or lack confidence that their employer will act promptly, protectively and fairly to their reports. Consultants specializing in preventing and addressing harassment and violence at work work with the employer's human resource, facilities, risk management, diversity management and legal staffs as well as employees to assess, prevent and develop effective organizational responsiveness to harassment and violence. Michael Hodge, J.D., of Security Liability Consulting provides employers with assessment and development of workplace violence prevention programs and responses, including risk and premises security assessments and recommendations. Dr. Carolyna Smiley-Marquez is an organizational consultant, specializing in conflict intervention, mediation, harassment and violence prevention especially when diversity may be an issue.