Question

Why has violence in the workplace become a larger problem for organizations? What recommendations would you offer to a company to ensure that it does not experience violence? Be specific.

Answer 1

Part 1 - Here is why the violence in the workplace has become a larger problem for organisations -

• The workplace has to consider many common law principles to make sure that all steps are being taken to mitigate the same.
• The premise liability is the duty of the employer to make sure that team members are safe from injury, including criminal and violent acts of others.
• The security measures must be implemented by doing assessment of security measures at worksites.
• Respondent superior is another factor that makes it a larger problem for the organisation as it becomes a liability of an employer for acts of its employees. It is very fact-specific & analyses, whether the employer's actions or failure to act, contributed to the same violent act.
• If the background checks and screening are not done then such negligence in hiring can impact the workplace.  
• Discrimination & harassment claims are increasing the workplace leading to an increased in violence case as well. Hence this has become larger problems for organisations.

Part 2 - Here are the recommendations that a company can take to not experience workplace violence -

• To make sure prevention plan is on top it is important to take measures before the trouble occurs.
• It is important to ensure adequate training and education of the employees and team members.
• It is important to have pre-employment background checks before hiring someone with history of violence & aggression.
• It is required to analyse the workplace so that environment is controlled.
• The supportive & collaborative workplace culture should be built.
• Communication & empathy training can help and reduce such violent incidents.
• It is very important to have a clear & accessible to all workplace violence policy. The overall commitment should be towards a total non-violent workplace.
• The training should focus on recognising warning signs and reporting the same before it takes place.
• The action plan should be created and shared with all employees.

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