It’s kind of sad, but true.
Many places across the country have had in place or are just putting into place legislation about how the employer and the employee need to essentially protect themselves from and reduce the incidents of violent acts. These violent acts can be orchestrated from your co-worker, the daily delivery person, your customers, your neighbor’s customers, your current or ex-better half, simply a stranger off the street or you.
But, employers are now spending more capital on the installation of video surveillance equipment, intrusion alarm systems, card access, and even uniform security guard services.
But what are the benefits of all these new rules, expenditures and so on?
Addressing the existing or the potential workplace violence reduces worker compensation payouts, the overall amount of sick days and employee turnover. So how do you get to happier and healthier employees and overall savings for the organization?
Take some time and define a few of these following points:
- Define what your workplace violence looks like
- Address any existing or outstanding workplace violence concerns
- Assess what level of a problem that certain behaviour would be viewed as violent
- Who will be your violent individuals, identify the various groups you and your staff encounter
- What will be your warning signs for violent behaviour
- Myths – be clear on what could happen. Dispel any myths
- Policy creation and enforcement
- Training
- Security/Safety department role (this of course if you have a dedicated department – this may fall to Health & Safety or simply senior management)
There are many professionals available to discuss the wants and needs of a well crafted and executed workplace violence policy and procedure. Don’t hesitate to ask for professional advice. It could save you a lot of money before you have to spend a lot more money had you not been prepared.