The recent headlines about a shooting at a university staff meeting were especially shocking because violence against peers seems so unlikely in that setting. But obviously it can happen anywhere, even in our professional offices, so this week we take a look at the warning signs that may indicate a colleague is about to lose control.
Remember that workplace violence is any threatening behavior that happens in a work environment. This includes shaking fists, throwing objects, or other overt physical acts, as well as any verbal or written threats to cause harm to anyone or anything. Most offenders we might meet in our professional services work are current or former employees, current or former friends of employees, relatives of employees, or current or former customers.
Employees with real or perceived grievances are responsible for the majority of violent incidents in workplaces like ours. Although most employees with grievances never become violent, those who do typically begin by displaying these sorts of behaviors:
| · | They react adversely to a disciplinary action |
| · | They complain of general unfair treatment |
| · | They are vocal about being forced to wait for a promotion or raise |
| · | They show other signs of mental instability, like absenteeism or inability to focus |
| · | They begin to isolate themselves from other people |
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes middle-aged white males as the demographic group most prone to perpetrating workplace violence. Studies show that those who commit overtly violent acts at work or against former colleagues share a number of the following characteristics:
| · | A history of violent behavior, including involvement with the criminal justice system |
| · | Discontent when given only tasks perceived as low level |
| · | Free-floating bitterness and unhappiness |
| · | Lack of job security |
| · | Problems growing up, including bad school performance and family dysfunction |
| · | Substance abuse, including heavy use of prescription medications |
If you spot more than one of these behaviors or characteristics in a colleague, run a reality check with a few friends and then consider flagging the situation to your human resource representative or your manager. Do not confront a volatile person by yourself, and take steps to avoid working alone with explosive team members. In a nutshell, try to stay prudent without getting paranoid.