Aggressive Behavior in the Workplace
Employees sometimes bring stress and frustration with them when they come to work. Employees who regularly stress out on the job may engage in aggressive behavior, which can sometimes lead to violence. Employers should monitor employee behavior and take action against aggression to protect their workers from abuse or violence.
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Passive-Aggressive Behavior
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Psychology Today reports that passive-aggressive workers mask anger towards their employer or co-workers by engaging in irresponsible behaviors such as missing deadlines, forgetting or misplacing needed documents and files, or calling in sick on a day a major project is due. Passive-aggressive workers may also insult or embarrass co-workers instead of confronting them directly about conflicts. Passive-aggressive behavior isn't illegal, but employers should take action to stop this behavior, as it harms productivity and morale.
Verbal Abuse
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Both passive-aggressive and potentially violent employees may engage in verbal abuse. Any time a worker belittles or puts down another worker, it can be considered verbal abuse. Shouting at workers or calling them names are also abusive activities. Passive-aggressive workers may employ sarcasm, rather than directly attacking other employees, making the abuse more difficult to pin down. Verbal abuse isn't illegal, although threats of violence against another employee are.
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Workplace Violence
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Verbal abuse may escalate into workplace violence. Signs of workplace violence include frequent arguments, especially over minor matters; a short temper; and attempts to physically or verbally intimidate others. You Can Learn Basic Employee Rights.com reports that it's difficult to predict when an employee will become violent. Managers and supervisors should keep tabs on employee behavior and check in on employees who seem frustrated, to try to alleviate stress and determine whether an employee's behavior may lead to violence.
Preventative Measures
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Employers can take action against aggressive behavior, both before and after hiring employees. Employers may request background checks on new employees and refuse to hire those with a history of violence. After hiring, employers can and should discipline employees who engage in any type of aggressive action. They should take any verbal abuse or threats of violence seriously, and shouldn't hesitate to contact law enforcement, if necessary. Employers should communicate regularly with employees and allow them to air grievances, to reduce the risk of frustration turning into violent behavior.
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