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Violence in the Workplace - How to deal with Violence?The cost of bullying and violence in the workplace runs into millions financially for both the government and the individual company, but for the victim it can be emotionally crippling. It can erode their self esteem, affect their health both physically and mentally and make life utterly miserable Some companies who are unaware adopt the culture of bullying, where it is not acknowledged as a management style, rather thought of as a constructive management strategy. This sort of culture often leads to short term success with little regard for the effects on the staff. Inevitably this can lead to high turnover of staff, costly retraining of new staff, low morale, high sickness absence, law suits and poor public/corporate image. Are you being bullied? Under the term of bullying this includes:-
Bullying is unacceptable behaviour which so often can make life at work sheer misery. Many people are too scared to tell anyone what is happening and feel guilty that it somehow is their fault when they are the one who is the victim. Thoughts to consider: The bully is the one with the problem NOT you. The bully often envies you for being either smarter ,more efficient, attractive therefore wants to assert control in someway. Criticisms equals control the bully feels superior when they criticise you. You have to believe the criticisms to give them validity – If the criticisms are not true do not take them on board, it is the bully’s failings not yours. Guilt and fear are the tools of the trade of a bully. These are used to control you Bully’s are corrosive they undervalue your self-esteem. But remember Bully’s are weak by definition. You are not a bully therefore you are stronger. The reality is that the intimidation can work and the bullying can undermine your self confidence and self esteem. This is a situation you cannot allow to continue as it is bad for your well being.
Violence The Health and Safety Executive defines work related violence as:
The number of incidents of incidence of violence at work in England and Wales was 849,000 between 2002 and 2003.This statistic has always been a concern for Employers and employees. The latest report published by the Health and Safety Executive in 2004 noted that although the actual number of physical assaults and threats had fallen the levels still remain high. Health and social welfare work professionals like the police, nurses, doctors and dentists were all recorded as professions likely to experience the most violence. Verbal Abuse Verbal abuse can be a considerable problem; the employee can suffer with their health as stress can cause anxiety which can lead onto physical ailments. Such as :-
The employee will either take excessive time off from work due to illness or leave either way this causes the employer problems as high turn over of staff can cause financial difficulties.
'No abuse is acceptable - you do not go to work to be abused by your work colleagues or by your employer. ' 'Your employer has a duty of Care under Health and Safety Law to protect your health, safety and welfare while you are working therefore they have a responsibility to identify potential violent situations and try to prevent them.' The Law up holds five main pieces of health and safety regulations which are relevant to violence at work:
If you perceive you are suffering abuses at work you need to take charge of the situation or involve the assistance of a member of the team.
Useful Contacts In England and Wales Victim support In Scotland Victim support Scotland Resource for Managers For Information relating to Health and Safety ring the HSE’s Info line Email: hseinformationservices@natbrit.com Health risk management: A practical guide for managers in a small and medium sized enterprises HSG137 – 1995 ISBN 0 7176 09057 Mail order: TEL: 01787 881 165 – to Order a publication
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