WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

Workplace violence is an act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening behaviour that occurs at the workplace. Surprisingly, most offices are not excluded from this depressing state as workers are being violated daily within and outside their workplace by employees, senior management teams, colleagues, and even clients.

This act of violence has left most individuals at the mercy of others. It has dampened their confidence and reduced them to a state of helplessness. Most workers who experience violence are left with no choice but to live with it and pretend as though nothing happened. These acts of violence range from spreading nefarious rumours, verbal abuse, pranks, property damage, theft, physical assault, psychological trauma, rape, etc

Workplace violence is a growing concern for both employers and employees which needs urgent attention. Most cases of office violence are not reported for fear of losing one’s job. As such, business owners must protect the rights of their workers by implementing laws that address the issue of violence in the office. A workplace violence protection program should be incorporated in workers’ handbooks or employee manuals of standard operations. It is important to ensure that workers are aware of their rights and be assured that cases of violence will be immediately investigated. Employers can also protect their workers by:

Providing safety education: workers are the live wire of every organisation and must be protected at all times. Employees should be enlightened on their rights in the workplace, what conducts are not acceptable, and what to do when they experience workplace violence. Employees should be instructed not to enter places that look unsafe. This enlightenment of staff is key to their well being in the office.

Secure workplace: workers’ security is paramount. Where appropriate in the business, install a video surveillance camera, alarm systems, extra lightening, and also minimise access by visitors through identification badges, access cards, electronic keys and guards.

Equip field staff: Marketers and other field staff should be equipped for their safety. Clients sometimes violate this set of workers and they are left at the mercy of these clients for fear of losing their jobs. Employees should equip their staff with cellular phones and hand-held alarms or devices and never tolerate clients’ violations of their staff. The daily work plan should be updated to keep the employer and other staff abreast with their daily activities and whereabouts at all times.

Employees should learn to protect themselves as well. They should be enlightened to identify potentially violent situations, report concerns to supervisors both verbally and in writing, avoid travelling alone and avoid carrying out official duties at odd hours.

In a bid to effectively protect employees from workplace violence, employers should ensure they take necessary actions when needed and report to the local police if need be. This assurance of security in the workplace boosts staff confidence and commitment to work.

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