subject: Workplace Violence - Are You The Potential Target Of An Aggressive Employee? [print this page] Are you a manager or business owner concerned about the possibility of an aggressive employee targeting you for an act of workplace violence? Well, you're certainly not alone!
In fact, according to OSHA and NIOSH, workplace violence and attacks from an aggressive employee are the leading causes of job-related injury and death for managers today! According to the latest statistics, 17 to 20 employees will be murdered on the job - and another 1,500 will be assaulted, robbed, raped, beaten, or otherwise attacked - this week alone!
I have discussed this issue with managers, human resource directors, and corporate executives and found that many of these people are so afraid of a possible attack...
...that they won't even answer their phones!
Here are some signs and signals that may put you at risk of being attacked by a former or current aggressive employee. Remember, these are only possible signs. However, ignoring danger signals and not taking proactive action to deal with them early could put you at greater risk later.
Also, some of the things that might put you at-risk for attack from an aggressive employee committing violence in the workplace will seem unavoidable. And, you're right.
The point here is that, you must be aware of the conditions which could potentially trigger violence in your workplace. And, many of those triggers are in the most unlikely places!
For example:
1. You are a manager. Plain and simple. Your very position opens you up to, not only ridicule and disdain from unhappy employees, but it paints a target on your chest for the worst of the human race - those who believe that physical violence is the answer to their own situation! And, never forget, if police officers - people with guns - get attacked by violent and aggressive people, your position as a manager or "boss," doesn't make you any more safe!
2. You have been forced to fire anyone. Both current and former employees - those whom were terminated AND those still working who have ties to the terminated worker - may hold a grudge. For most employees, they either get over it or move on. But, for the aggressive employee, this may be one more thing that could trigger an act of workplace violence.
3. Your personality type. There is no "type" of victim. However, as with everything in our lives, we may be loved by some and hated by others - for doing the exact same thing. Are you a hard-nose manager? Watch and monitor the reactions of your employees as you deal with them. On the other hand, are you the friendly, passive type? This could set you up as a target because you are perceived as "easy," and not necessarily because you did anything to the aggressive employee yourself!
4. Feedback. Remember, aggressiveness comes in many forms. And, everyone has a right to be angry. However, if there seems to be a personality conflict, outward signs or dislike, and an argumentative attitude every time you deal with a certain employee, you may want to get help addressing the problem.
These are just a few of the triggers that could set off an aggressive employee and set you up as the target of a workplace violence attack. And, while there is no set answer or solution for handling the aggressive employee, you must remember that:
Firing an aggressive employee does not necessarily make danger go away!
It may not be in front of you every day, but it is potentially still out there!
Don't rely on a written policy, threats of punishment, or "zero-tolerance" statements to control and deter an aggressive employee. Make sure that you are capable of avoiding, evading, or defending against any aggression that might be thrown at you!
In the long run, it's your only guarantee of safety!
