individuals in today’s workforce, this percentage is concerning and highlights the need for improvement. Employers who prioritize safety not only protect their employees but also foster a more productive and engaged workforce. Organizations should take violence prevention and overall safety seriously. Initiative-taking measures are essential to ensuring both the well-being of employees and the long-term success of the company. In a workplace environment, such as a dealership, employees regularly interact with individuals who have diverse personalities and working styles. Under the pressure of meeting goals and deadlines, conflicts can naturally arise. If employees lack the skills to manage these conflicts effectively, situations can escalate into workplace violence. Additionally, employees in retail operations often encounter abusive customers, which may range from verbally abusive to in rare cases, physical harm. While active shooter incidents in workplaces are statistically rare, they are a serious and sadly growing threat. Being prepared is crucial. POTENTIAL RISKS AND COSTS TO EMPLOYEES When workplace violence occurs, it can bring an organization’s operations to an immediate halt. Employees are often left in shock by the disruption and chaos, unsure whether to intervene or prioritize their own safety. If the violence results in injury, medical insurance claims are likely to follow, and in more severe cases, legal action may be pursued. According to the National Safety Council, the average cost for one small business to mitigate one incident of workplace violence can escalate as high as $1.3 million and does not address any impact on work productivity. STEPS THAT DEALERSHIPS CAN TAKE TO CONTROL WORKPLACE VIOLENCE Managers and owners must recognize the critical importance of ensuring a safe and secure workplace. Every employee has the right to feel protected and confident in their work environment. Consider this: Every year in America, more than two million workers become victims of workplace violence, and according to a survey from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), one in seven workers feel unsafe at work. The steps to forming a workplace safety program include: 1. Background Checks: It is essential to ensure that those who represent your company are a good fit and uphold the organization’s values. Implementing a comprehensive screening process is a proactive measure that can play a critical role in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all employees. 2. Have Clear Violence Prevention Policies in Place: Establish clear policies and procedures specifically designed to address and prevent violent behavior. Well-defined rules create structure and accountability within an organization. Most companies adopt a zero-tolerance approach to violence, making it clear that any form of physical altercation or inappropriate conduct will result in immediate termination and may lead to further legal action. It is essential that all employees are fully informed of these policies and understand the consequences of violating them. 3. Training: Provide regular training for all employees. It is crucial that staff are equipped with the knowledge to recognize and respond to potential threats. Employees should be trained to identify early warning signs of escalating behavior, including verbal aggression, noticeable changes in body language, social withdrawal and signs of agitation. In addition, organizations should have a clearly defined emergency response plan in place, 18
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