PHILIP J. SMITH, Ph.D.

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE CHECKLIST

By DR. PHILIP J. SMITH, Ph.D.
Vice President of Assessment Services

Employee Behaviors and Signs
Associated with Workplace Violence

Long-Term Employee Characteristics:		Short-Term Warning Signs:
Socially isolated, loner Low self-esteem Limited coping skills Anger management problems, temper      or over controlled Highly defensive, sensitive History of threats of violence Fascination with weapons Substance abuse		Change in usual pattern of behavior Paranoia or irrational beliefs Holds grudges, many gripes Deterioration in on-the-job performance Excessive blaming of others Increase in demands, pushiness or      withdrawal, isolation Rejection by a co-worker (romantic) Disciplinary action pending Stressful life events (divorce,            bankruptcy) Employee has violent partner      (domestic violence)

Employer Response - What you can do:

Observation:

• Pay attention to employee behavior changes
• Don't dismiss or ignore red flags
  
  

Intervention:

• Approach employee in a caring, but direct manner
• Focus on work behavior, not general personality
• Highlight positive contributions the employee has made to workplace
• Develop a plan with employee and follow up
• Use employee assistance programs when indicated
• Seek consultation when in doubt

Preparation/Prevention:

• Develop clear policies regarding workplace behavior, enforce policies consistently
• Training for supervisors-communication skills, conflict resolution
• Review security systems
  

We are very much interested in your comments about this topic. Please reply with comments or questions to scox@dimihr.com. If you would like to speak to Dr. Smith about our Violence in the Workplace consulting please call him at 207-772-2823.