Board Converting News, June 28, 2021

Workplace Violence (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)

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Andy in a joking tone of voice, “I’m going to knock your block off after work.” In such cases, experts advise taking the individual aside and counseling that you realized they were joking, but that such behavior is still not acceptable. More troubling are statements for which a humorous in- tent is unclear. Sam’s assertion in the previous paragraph, if uttered without sufficient humorous tone, might or might not be a serious threat. “Sometimes it can be hard to tell,” says White. “It all depends on tone of voice, the environ- ment, and the body language. But the investigation pro- cess should try to come to a conclusion.” In such cases White suggests starting to watch the employee’s behavior more closely. Does Sam have atten- dance problems? Is he violating other organizational polic- es? Has he health or financial problems? “Try to observe the employee without being too invasive.” A final category of event is the statement that is obvi- ously not a joke, but is so veiled as to call into question its

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violent intent. Suppose Alan tells his supervisor: “You had better not treat me like this.” His voice has a warning tone and his demeanor is dark, but is the statement a threat to commit violence or just a threat to quit and go work for a competitor? The answer’s elusive. The best response is to take Alan aside and counsel him on what caused him to make his statement and what he had in mind. When in doubt, trust your gut and don’t over-analyze. If you feel afraid, there is something amiss. Act Early Barbara’s outburst, described above, while perhaps in- nocent of violent intent, may also provide an early warn- ing sign of more severe trouble down the road. Identifying such warning signs, and addressing them promptly, is the best way to obviate extreme behavior. “Supervisors should be alert for employees who start to behave in strange ways, such as barricading them- selves in their cubicles, or making statements such as their supervisors are poisoning their food,” says Maxey. Be alert for those employees who are constantly unable to get along with others, who refuse to take responsibility for their own actions, who are quick to anger, or who respond in inappropriate and exaggerated ways when given minor directives. All can be early signs of greater issues down the road. Employees should be trained to report any such behav- CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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