Addressing The Daunting Threat of Workplace Violence

It’s a subject that most people don’t like to think about, but every employer must address. Workplace violence is an enormous threat to the physical, mental, and psychological well-being of your employees. A single incident can drastically lower the morale and productivity of employees within an organization for a very long time.

A costly problem

Finding exact data on the financial impact of workplace violence is difficult because many crimes other than homicides go unreported. A 2022 analysis by career information provider Zippia estimated that U.S. businesses lose an average of $250 billion to $330 billion annually to violent incidents. These costs arise from:

• Lost work time and wages
• Reduced productivity and turnover
• Higher health care costs
• Workers’ compensation and disability insurance premiums
• Legal and security expenses

As you’re no doubt aware, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to provide a workplace free from hazards that could cause harm or death (this includes violence). Some states and localities have related laws.

Threat assessment

The first step toward managing the risk is a threat assessment. Leadership needs to recognize the types of threats most likely to negatively affect your workplace.

Sometimes, perpetrators have no direct relationship to the organization. Instead, violence occurs in conjunction with another criminal act, such as theft or vandalism. Other times, crimes are perpetrated by someone related to your company — typically current or former employees, contractors, or customers.

Violent behavior can also be directed toward one of your workers by someone unassociated with your organization but whom they know (angry spouse, current or former romantic partner, or friend).

Specific steps

Many employers lack the internal resources to assess threats and minimize risks. If this applies to your organization, explore the costs and benefits of engaging a security consultant. A qualified advisor can conduct a formal threat assessment and work with you to identify and undertake specific steps to minimize situations that can lead to violence.

For instance, you might need to upgrade physical security systems by installing locks and fences or hiring on-site guards. Implementing ID badges to limit access points for thieves, disgruntled former employees, or others with the intent to cause harm is another option. Additionally, if you haven’t already, install closed-circuit cameras and let everyone on your premises know that their actions won’t go unobserved or unrecorded.

Whether you work with an outside advisor or not, implement a workplace violence prevention policy. The plan should include employee training, and confidential ways to report toxic and/or violent behavior. The policy should also prohibit weapons in the workplace and clarify that you reserve the right to search lockers or other areas.

It is important to have pre-employment processes to better ensure a nonhostile work environment. It is important to start screening all prospective employees and running background checks to identify those with histories of violence or criminal activity. To comply with applicable laws, work with your attorney to ensure background checks and employment verifications are conducted appropriately.

Forewarned, forearmed

As the saying goes, “forewarned is forearmed.” We can help you measure productivity and evaluate the costs of better securing your workplace against likely threats.