Abusers don't like confrontation about their behavior. If they're confronted, they back off. Establishing clear consequences for verbal abuse is the key to handling desk rage, says Namie. Most companies have internal policies in place for a variety of workplace issues, but few have written policies concerning verbal abuse. But if a company has a written policy in place forbidding all forms of harassment and destructive interpersonal conduct regardless of the legally protected status of victims, it sends a clear message that desk rage isn't acceptable and will be firmly dealt with.
People have to be held accountable, or it's just a piece of paper.