Can Employees Help Identify Potentially Violent Coworkers or Supervisors?
Absolutely. It is very important for employees to be aware of the kinds of behavior that indicate a coworker or supervisor may be reaching his or her tolerance limit or is about to lose control.
Employees who are in close contact with their coworkers are usually in a position to sense changes in their coworkers that could indicate trouble. There are almost always warning signs. Don't ignore them; they may really be calls for help. When employees understand the warning signs, they can report to a central clearing point where the potentially dangerous behavior can be analyzed.
CHECKLIST: Symptoms of potentially violent behavior
- Increased use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs
- Unexplained increase in absenteeism
- Noticeable decrease in attention to appearance and hygiene
- Explosive outburst of anger or rage without provocation
- Depression or withdrawal
- Suicidal comments about "putting things in order" and the impact his or her departure will have on others
- Frequent, vague physical complaints
- Noticeably unstable emotional responses
- Behavior that suggests paranoia --"Everybody is against me"
- Talking about previous incidents of violence (child/spouse abuse; bar room fighting)
- Increased mood swings
- Inappropriate comments to coworkers and supervisors about other employees or situations
- Resistance and overreaction to changes in procedures and policies
- Repeated violations of company policies
- Increase of unsolicited comments about firearms and other dangerous weapons, violent crimes, and empathy with individuals committing violence
- Escalation of domestic problems
- Large withdrawals from or closing account in company's credit union.
Other problems and events can also be indicators. Some may be continuing problems, like those related to finances, child-rearing and other family problems. Events, such as a death, divorce, accident, and illness, can also be triggers.
Reprinted with permission. © CCH
It is very important for employees to be aware of the kinds of behavior that indicate a coworker or supervisor may be reaching his or her tolerance limit or is about to lose control.
Can employees help identify potentially violent coworkers or supervisors?
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