Violence in the workplace is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for employees and employers alike. Workplace violence can take many forms, including physical assaults, threats of violence, bullying, and harassment. Employers need to take proactive measures to prevent workplace violence and ensure the safety of their employees.
One of the most effective ways to prevent workplace violence is to create a culture of respect and support in the workplace. This involves providing employees with a safe and healthy work environment, as well as promoting open communication and addressing any concerns or issues that arise. Employers should also provide training on conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques to help employees manage potentially violent situations.
Employers can also implement security measures to prevent workplace violence. This can include installing security cameras, providing key card access to certain areas, and hiring security personnel. It is important to conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential risks and implement appropriate security measures.
Another important step in preventing workplace violence is to have clear policies and procedures in place. This includes a zero-tolerance policy for violence, harassment, and bullying, as well as a clear reporting process for employees who experience or witness workplace violence. Employers should also have a crisis management plan in place in case of a violent incident.
If an incident of workplace violence does occur, employers need to respond quickly and appropriately. This may involve providing support to affected employees, reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities, and conducting a thorough investigation to prevent future incidents.
In conclusion, workplace violence is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences. Employers should take proactive measures to prevent workplace violence, including creating a culture of respect and support, implementing security measures, and having clear policies and procedures in place. By taking these steps, employers can help ensure the safety and well-being of their employees.
In addition, employees and employers alike need to work on their emotional intelligence quotient. Efforts should be made to create a work environment that portrays a perception of a ‘safe haven’ a calm place as this minimizes violent tendencies. Creating a calm place starts from issues like the color of the place, the lighting, the ambience, the organization and type of work tools, frustrating work tools create pressure that can be passed on as violence. These tools include the laptop, writing materials, air conditioning, chairs, etc. There is also a need to install natural environments (as nature is calming) like flowers, trees, air freshener, calm music in the background.
Violence can also be minimized by ensuring that the work is not violent, like constantly engaging the team in projects with impossible deadlines and running a negative blame game on it, nonappreciative leadership, poor pay, etc.
We should consider the welfare of our teammates when working with them as it helps minimize violence.
Let everyone be continuously aware of the legal, emotional, mental, and physical consequences of violence, especially in the workplace with policies that strongly oppose it. Train peers to provide first line support systems especially when they need an outlet for their emotions/pressures.
Coinbox Limited is always available to assist with setting up such systems. You can reach Coinbox Limited by email on info@coinboxlimited.com or phone +2349063107538, +2349093929847.
Thank you for reading.
Ojobo Somtochukwu (somtochukwu.ojobo@coinboxlimited.com.ng)
