If you’re faced with violence in your organization, understanding behaviors is the first step toward knowing how to respond effectively and safely. All behaviors, from discourtesy to retaliation to physical aggression, can have a staggering impact on your workplace culture, whether they’re exhibited by customers or coworkers.
Learn about the Workplace Violence Continuum and download the free eBook, Proactive Strategies for Promoting a Safe and Respectful Workplace, here.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I’d like to read this.
Thank you:)
Is there a way access the e-books without having to set up all my information every single time? I have already filled out the contact information, more than once.
Thank you.
Hello Michele,
I believe if you become a “site member,” the system will then recognize you so you don’t have to fill out your information each time. We are still working on that so there may be a few glitches here and there. We do appreciate you downloading our ebooks very much!
I see a big obstacle to taking the first 2 steps in dealing with an incident of workplace violence, particularly if that incident involves one of the very early stages on the “Continuum”. My concern is the frequent reluctance of a victim (say of verbal abuse) to report, talk about, let alone document the incident out of timidity, “maybe I did or said something wrong”, fear of retaliation. Do you have any suggestions for creating a setting or structure that would encourage the victim to take the first steps toward getting the incident documented and developing an effective response.
Hello James,
I’ve asked the team here for input and we will get back to you! Thanks for your comment.
James–Inappropriate behaviors that are tolerated tend to progress in frequency and they could escalate in severity. It serves everyone in the organization to address these behaviors as soon as possible so everyone knows that these behaviors will not be tolerated. Referring to existing policies and procedures is a good place to start. A review of what is acceptable or not should be addressed with all employees; everyone needs to be on the same page. Once a baseline of behaviors has been established it is up to every employee to maintain a respectful workplace culture. If others are witnesses to these behaviors they also have a responsibility for maintaining a respectful workplace. Someone should speak up and say, “that’s not acceptable behavior, please stop;” whether that’s the person being treated disrespectfully or another employee observing the incident. The person needs to know their behaviors are not welcome. That may be enough to stop the behaviors.
Employees subjected to disrespectful behavior should document incidents and feel comfortable enough to approach management or human resources with their concerns. It’s not about getting someone else in trouble. It’s about stopping unwanted and undesirable behaviors. Be objective and stick to the facts. Working within your organizations policies and procedures should help in creating a more respectful workplace. Good luck!
–from our workplace violence prevention team, Prepare Training.