08.21.06
Reducing the Threat of Workplace Violence
Resolving workplace conflict can take up a significant portion of any manager’s time. Some studies suggest that anywhere from 24 to 60% of management time and energy is spent dealing with anger and conflict in the workplace. If not dealt with correctly, workplace conflict can lead to increased stress among all employees, decreased productivity, lowered performance, high turnover rate, absenteeism, and even violence and death.
A recent article by Dr. Fiore in Employment News outlines four specific steps managers can take to reduce workplace conflict. They include:
- Communicating and listening effectively.
- Establishing healthy boundaries.
- Improving emotional intelligence (the ability to effectively combine both intelligence and emotions in the workplace).
- Setting up behavioral consequences for employees.
As Dr. Fiore aptly points out, “As employees, the more we can learn to speak up, to be able to say what our needs and our wants are in a healthy way, and not let it fester to the point of rage or explosion, we can use our anger as a motivator to help us take action.”
