Building a Resilient Workplace Against Violence

Workplace violence, in all its forms—from verbal threats and harassment to physical assault—is a serious and pervasive risk that affects countless organizations.

While prevention is the primary goal, a truly safe and sustainable work environment must also be resilient. Resilience, in this context, is the ability of an organization and its people to anticipate, withstand, and successfully recover from a violent incident, emerging even stronger and more cohesive.

Building a Resilient Workplace Against Violence

Building this resilience requires a comprehensive, multi-layered approach that integrates physical safety with a positive, supportive, and trauma-informed culture.

• Preventing Workplace Violence During Reductions in Force (RIF) And Layoffs

• Strategies to Counter Workplace Violence In Healthcare

• Violence in the Workplace: The Impact of Workplace Violence on Healthcare and Social Service Workers

• Components of a Comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP)

1. Cultivate a Culture of Psychological Safety

The foundation of resilience is a culture where employees feel safe to speak up without fear of retaliation. This is critical for early detection and prevention.

• Promote Open Communication: Establish an "open-door" policy and confidential, non-retaliatory reporting mechanisms (like hotlines or anonymous forms). Employees are often the first to notice warning signs in their colleagues or concerning behaviors from clients/customers.

  
  

• Zero-Tolerance Policy: Implement a comprehensive, clearly communicated policy that defines all forms of unacceptable behavior (violence, harassment, bullying, and threats) and outlines consistent, firm disciplinary action for violations, regardless of the violator's position.

  
  

• Lead with Empathy and Respect: Management must consistently model behaviors that foster a professional and caring environment. This includes addressing stress and conflict promptly and respectfully, minimizing negative feelings like resentment or isolation that can escalate into violence.

  
  

2. Proactive Prevention and Risk Mitigation

Resilience is built long before an incident occurs through systematic planning and preparedness.

• Conduct Regular Risk Assessments: Regularly evaluate the physical workspace (lighting, access points, surveillance) and operational factors (staffing levels, high-risk work activities, cash on hand) to identify and correct potential vulnerabilities. Employee input is essential here.

  
  

• Implement Physical Security Measures: Utilize physical controls like access control systems, adequate lighting in parking lots, security cameras, and visitor check-in procedures to deter external threats.

  
  

• Establish a Threat Assessment Team (TAT): Create a multi-disciplinary team (including HR, Security, and Legal) responsible for receiving reports of concerning behavior, evaluating the risk, and implementing intervention strategies to support the individual and maintain safety.

  
  

3. Training, Drills, and Preparation

Prepared employees are resilient employees. Training must move beyond simple policy review to practical, skill-building exercises.

• Comprehensive Training Programs: Provide initial and annual refresher training to all staff. This should cover:

  
  

  • Recognizing Warning Signs: Educating employees on behavioral changes that may precede violence.

    
    

  • De-escalation Techniques: Teaching employees how to manage and defuse volatile situations with clients, customers, or colleagues.

    
    

  • Emergency Response Protocols: Ensuring all staff know their role in an incident (e.g., Run, Hide, Fight protocols; how to use panic buttons; clear evacuation routes).

    
    

• Conduct Practice Drills: Regular drills and tabletop exercises build muscle memory and confidence, ensuring employees can act quickly and decisively during a crisis rather than freezing.

  
  

4. Post-Incident Response and Recovery

True organizational resilience is demonstrated in the aftermath—how well the company supports its people and learns from the event.

• Provide Immediate and Ongoing Support: Activate the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other resources immediately following an incident. Offer counseling, psychological first aid, and debriefings to help staff process trauma. This is crucial for addressing the effects of direct and vicarious trauma.

  
  

• Conduct a Thorough Post-Event Analysis: After any incident or near-miss, conduct a comprehensive, non-punitive analysis. The goal is to identify what went wrong, what went right, and what new procedures or controls are needed.

  
  

• Continuous Improvement: Use the findings from the analysis to update and refine the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, security measures, and training protocols. Resilience is an ongoing journey of adaptation and improvement, not a one-time fix.

  
  

By strategically focusing on preventative measures, a strong culture, and a robust recovery plan, organizations can transform from simply managing risk to actively building a resilient workplace—one that protects its people and ensures the sustained health and well-being of the entire operation.

1. What Are The Workplace Violence Prevention Requirements: Businesses, State and Federal Agencies, and OSHA’s General Duty Clause

2. Understanding Workplace Threat Assessment: A Crucial Step for Safety and Security

3. Violence in the Workplace: The Impact of Workplace Violence on Healthcare and Social Service Workers

4. How To Create A Office Layout For Safety And Protection Of Social Workers And Therapists

5. Overcoming The Workplace Violence Risks and Challenges For Frontline Service Workers

6. Occupational Violence and Aggression: Warning Signs and De-escalation Techniques

Violence Prevention and Self Defense Resources

The goal of the Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense is to stop violence by educating at-risk people and empower them with the skills needed to protect themselves both online and live training.

Live conceptual seminars teach the origins of violence and how to assess risk and set boundaries for healthy relationships. Experiential classes teach hands-on interpersonal skills and strategies to prevent and stop assault.

The Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense reaches individuals and communities through partnerships with schools and other nonprofits, community groups, as well as classes for the public.