|
On-site Conflict Management Training |
|
Welcome |
|
Workplace aggression is on the increase in the UK, and there's a similar trend in many parts of Europe and the US. A study conducted in the US found that more than two million workers were victims of physical attack in a one-year period. Another six million were threatened, and 16 million were harassed. While these US figures are considerably higher per capita than those of the UK, they describe the potential shape of things to come. Although more information is constantly being made available on the causes and triggers of aggressive and violent behaviour, it seems that often there is no easily identifiable rationale for this type of conduct. No employee is immune to the potential of workplace violence, and no employer can totally prevent it. This has been a particular source of frustration for organisations such as those operating within the academic, healthcare, local authority and similar service sectors. It is difficult to overstate the costs of workplace aggression and violence, whether perpetrated by a colleague or a member of the public, as a single incident can have such sweeping repercussions. In addition to the possibility of physical injury, there are also the psychological repercussions to the victim and his/her family, friends and co-workers. Also, the decrease in productivity and morale that pervades an organisation after a violent incident, and the public relations impact on a company when news of violence reaches the media should also be considered. Employer's duty As it is apparent that workplace aggression and violence cannot be prevented, it is the duty of the employer to provide employees with the interpersonal and verbal skills they need not only to effectively handle a potentially violent individual but also to control their own levels of aggression. Aggression management training is already available to provide employees with the skills that will allow them to effectively tackle this type of aggressive behaviour. These training programmes commonly range from half-day to several-day courses, and deal with areas such as teaching the employee to recognise danger signs, interpret body language and identify volatile situations. More advanced courses also offer personal safety, breakaway and restraint techniques. The advantage of these programmes is that they can provide an understanding of how situations may escalate from seeming normality to aggression, a familiarity with the physical and behavioural signs of mounting anxiety, and the requisite techniques and strategies to reduce this stress before it escalates into violence. Just as importantly, if well-delivered, he training should help to give employees the confidence to utilise these new skills in everyday working life. With thanks to: Garry Malone Marketing Executive ICTS UK Ltd ©It is knowledge that protects you, not ignorance. |