Essay about Violence in the Workplace: A Growing Problem

Recently, a number of researchers have included sexual harassment behaviours in their definitions of workplace violence and aggression.

Harassment has plagued the world for centuries. Why should the workplace be any different? Sexual harassment and workplace violence are not only of historical roots, but contemporary issues are still present in the workforce today. Managers are addressing and combating modern sexual harassment and workplace violence, however instances still occur (Robbins, Decenzo & Coulter, 2011).

Several models and concepts arose in preventative measures to workplace violence in nursing. One conceptual model, according to Covert Crime at Work, is “a conceptual model derived from 370 surveys show working conditions conducive to bullying, thus helping to identify risks early and to prevent unhealthy environments from developing.” After recognition of these research and studies, organizations such as Occupations Safety and Hazard Association, American Nurses Associations, and etc, have implemented guidelines to prevent workplace violence in nursing.

In the early 1980s aggression and violence in the workplace have been a source of a lot of public discussion. (Piquero pg.383) The issues have risen again recently and have mostly been present in management and business fields. Workplace aggression often includes “behavior by an individual or individuals within or outside organizations that is intended to physically or psychologically harms a worker or workers and occurs in a work related”. (Schat& Kelloway Pg. 191) A national survey Conducted by the National Centers for Victims of Crime shows several statistics regarding workplace homicide by type show that is the year of (see fig. 1), violent crimes against victims working or an duty( see fig. 2) and nonfatal workplace violence

Workplace violence is a serious and growing issue in society. Employers need to develop intervention strategies to decrease reduce violence in the workplace. Also, employers and employees need to be aware of the signs when people exhibit behaviors that can lead to workplace violence. As a society, the issue needs to be acknowledged of the reality and work together for creating a solution. Lastly, employers and employees must not live in fear of addressing concerns if they see the potential for workplace violence or report when they witness or experience workplace violence.

Workplace Violence Workplace violence can be defined as any action that can threaten the safety of an employee, impact the employee's psychological or physical well being, or cause damage to a company's property. Workplace violence is not often talked about, but it does kill people. In the last decade it has become one of the leading causes of deaths in the workplace. The University of Iowa Prevention Center has broken down workplace violence into four categories.

Work place violence is the most complex and dangerous occupational hazard facing nurses (Jacobson, February2007). I have witness several of the staff being assaulted by a patient which have led to permanent injury to the staff. It is very frustrating to seeing dedicated staff being assaulted. This also leads to shortage on the units.

Workplace Violence statics across the United States of America have been on a steady rise each year since the early 1990’s. Reports have consistently shown in recent years that than an average of 500 homicides and 1.5 million assaults occur each year in America, in the workplace. With those types of statics on the rise in America it’s clear that a Workplace Violence Program is essential to the health, welfare, safety, and security of our employees in the workplace. When enacting a Workplace Violence Program it is the goal of the company to help employees become more proactive in the efforts of identifying possible violent situations, as well as minimize the risk of the employees becoming injured or even killed in the workplace. It’s of the utmost importance that we gain the employees commitment to the Workplace Violence Program. In order to gain our employees full commitment to our Workplace Violence Program we must first ensure that a training regiment is developed to help enable the employees to become proactive. This case study will reflect the efforts made in developing a Workplace Violence Program in a corporate setting, from a security point of view and stand point. The objectives of our Workplace Violence Program is to recognize the signs of a potential problem, Understand that Workplace Violence is not random, recognize that Workplace aggression is predictable, comprehend that Workplace Violence is preventable, and understand preventative action to minimize

Most of them are unreported and silenced. This scenario has to be changed so that safe work environment can be created within practice setting. Professional organization and education system have to prepare nurses for the prevention of violence. Health care organization also has a vital role for preventing and managing violence. In addition, nurses themselves have much to do. They have to have adequate professional experience, knowledge and competence. It is best to have good cooperation and coordination among health care team. They should participate in violence prevention policy and education and training in order to be able to appropriately respond to workplace violence. Nurses also should speak out against violent behavior in the workplace. More importantly, nurses have to behave in a non-violent and respectful manner towards the clients, families, and health care

Hatred in the work environment breeds various issues for workers. For example, representatives working in a negative situation will probably discover issues with confidence and low profitability. Also, a negative work environment can prompt high representative turnover rates. To build energy in the work environment, workers must to make a positive workplace and do what it takes to maintain and cultivate this culture. According to Yoder-wise (2011), “the definition of violence includes overt and covert behavior ranging from offensive threatening language to homicide” (Yoder Wise, 2011, p.498). Violence can be noted as the general term that represents lateral aggression,

The expression of violence takes many forms, ranging from physical assault and verbal abuse to intimidation and low level threatening behavior. The term ‘violence at work’ applies to ‘any incident in which employees and others are abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances arising out of, or during work undertaken. This also includes employers, self-employed people and any other person who may be affected by a violent incident in the workplace. A violent incident is usually "sparked" by something that causes the employee in question to erupt. This is especially true if the individual is already feeling vulnerable or has low self-esteem. Behaviors of concern can be the beginning to greater levels of violence. Workplace violence is related

There are two types of workplace violence, internal and external. Internal violence is violence from someone within the company like, fights and situations between employees. External is when there is a violent interaction between employees and someone from outside of the company like, robberies or employees getting into it with customers. According to the U.S. Department of labor every year, about two million people all over the country become victims of some kind of non-fatal violent situation at work. This much violence leads to even greater and more violent situations. There are approximately 1000 workplace homicides committed every year. As an IO Psychologist it is very important to be able to recognize, control, and prevent this type of violence.

Workplace Violence: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health defines workplace violence as ”violent acts, including physical assaults and threats of assaults, directed toward persons at work or on duty”. It can be anything from offensive or threatening language to homicide. It includes domestic violence, sexual violence-including sexual harassment or sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. U.S. Federal Government has categorized workplace violence into four types;

I really enjoyed reading your post. Security in the workplace is a very important topic. Any organization, no matter what kind, can experience workplace violence. Workplace violence often includes behaviors such as physical assault, threats, harassment, intimidation, and bullying (Mathis, Jackson, Valentine & Meglich, 2017, p. 558).

According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health workplace violence is described as any physical assault, threatening behavior or verbal abuse that takes place in the workplace. Violence includes all behaviors ranging in aggressiveness from verbal harassment to murder. Currently there is no law that requires protection for violence which occurs in the workplace. However some states throughout the country has reached out to legislation an established prevention programs. As of today, in 30 states (Florida not being one of them) if found guilty of workplace violence, employees and patients can be charged with a felony and face increased penalties.