Indicators for Potential Workplace Violence

Workplace violence is a growing concern.  Not only in the United States but in other countries as well, employers are addressing issues related to workplace violence.    Workplace violence is tragic and costly, and of course highly disruptive.

I have written about workplace violence many times. One such article is entitled “Workplace Violence is Not the Greatest Career Move.”  That article related to a California Deputy DA threatening her manager with violence.   Lovely.

Leslie Sexer, in her article for Greenwich Citizen, lists some of the signs that an employee may resort to workplace violence.   Her list at times are the more obvious signs, which are good to read for galvanizing and unifying one’s overview of a potentially violent situation.  And some signs that Sexer lists are more subtle and can possibly go unnoticed.

Sexer writes…”During difficult economic times, employers need to be in tune with how employees are managing their stress in all domains of their lives, especially if layoffs are imminent.

For example, if an employer knows that an employee is dealing with stress at home and at work, and is drinking, the risk of violence increases.”