Violence in the workplace is a growing concern for companies and employees. An entry on Business Management Daily previews its Workplace Violence Prevention Toolkit, offering tips from contributor Dennis A. Davis, a former SWAT team liaison who directs client training at Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart. He says there are steps an employer can take to stack the deck in its favor.
1. Screen Applicants: Ask for personal and professional references and insist on a face-to-face interview to gauge the person’s temperament, Davis says.
2. Craft a Tough Antiviolence Policy: Davis says it must be a stand-alone policy to send a signal that you’re serious.
3. Establish a Crisis Management Team: It should consist of six to eight people, including human resources, legal and security employees.
4. Train Frontline Supervisors and Greeters: “These people are your eyes and ears, your early warning system,” says Davis.
5. Publicize Your Antiviolence Program: Use meetings, newsletters, email and the intranet to get the word out.
Davis says there are warning signs a coworker might snap, such as a fascination with weapons, substance abuse, a violent history, social isolation and poor peer relationships, and drastic changes in personality.
