Whenever the topic of domestic violence is discussed, the abuse that happens in marriages and relationships is often the most talked about, negating the fact that domestic violence also happens in the workplace. Although it is not widely talked about and magnified, it might interest you to know that domestic violence occurs in the workplace.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1996, it disclosed that every week 20 people were murdered and 18,000 more assaulted while on the job. It is ideal that whenever the topic of domestic violence is being talked about, it should be discussed holistically. Every area where domestic violence happens should be touched.
When it comes to domestic violence in the workplace, women, in particular, are more vulnerable than men. They have more than double the rate of on-the-job homicides than men, (19% to 18%). As business owners/employers, workplace violence is something that should not be treated with levity, rather there is an urgent need for measures to be put in place to prevent and address domestic violence in the workplace.
Below are four (4) ways employers can prevent domestic violence in the workplace;
Establish A Clear Workplace Violence Policy: To ensure a safe workplace and to reduce the risk of violence, there should be a clear workplace violence policy which should be made mandatory for all employees to review and understand the provisions of the company’s workplace violence policy. Embedded in the policy should be a list of behaviors or conduct that is prohibited in the workplace. Although many employers have policy statements around the prevention and protection from violence in the workplace, albeit most of these policies do not consider prevention, as it only deals with situations where violence has already occurred. It is therefore important to note that there should be policies that also prevent workplace violence.
Train Employees To Recognize Warning Signs: Employers must see the need to come up with training programs that can help employees be alert to warning signs of potential workplace violence. Such programs can also help employees to stop an impending dangerous incident before it occurs. Employers must understand that such training programs should include issues of privacy and confidentiality. What this means is that employees need to feel that their privacy will be protected for them to be comfortable raising concerns and reporting certain issues to their employers. Warning signs of potential violence include; Paranoia, Violation of the company’s rules and policies, Violent behaviors, Depression or Withdrawal, Excessive use of drugs or alcohol intake, Possession of dangerous objects, etc.
Offer Communication And Empathy: Employers must see the need to demonstrate empathy in the workplace because it is a key part of emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness. When an employer can communicate and understand employees’ feelings, they will be able to understand their perspectives and connect better with them. Sometimes violence in the workplace often happens because employees are misunderstood, so in a bid to react, such a person can resort to violence. Employers must also educate employees on the need to be emphatic because it improves communication, strengthens the working relationship, and makes for a positive workplace. When employees are in good relationships with one another, domestic violence is less likely to occur.
Create A Supportive Environment: Employers must ensure that workers feel heard and supported in the workplace. For instance, when an employee encounters domestic violence or is threatened in the workplace when reporting such situations, they should be supported and not faced with reprisals regardless of who they are reporting. Workplace violence issues apply up the corporate ladder exempting nobody.
Conclusion
To prevent workplace violence, employers must see the need to put down rules/measures that will help prevent violence in the workplace. No employer will be happy to see his or her organization sealed because an employee killed his colleague due to domestic violence. This is why employers must ensure that the prevention of workplace violence should not be treated with levity.
