Violence in the Workplace
Violence in the workplace, which includes but is not limited to hitting, is another behavior that should result in immediate termination. This should be spelled out clearly in your employee handbook. As an employer, you have an obligation to provide a safe environment for the staff. People who assault others or become aggressive when angry are a liability to your company. With the rise in the reported number of workplace shootings, this is not an area to consider lightly.
Threats are a legitimate form of intended violence and should be included in the company's written policy against violence and dealt with accordingly. A threat can be in the form of bodily injury or property damage, such as slashing the tires of someone's car in the parking lot. The issue here is that the behavior frightens employees and they feel unsafe.
An employee who becomes angry during a discussion isn't making an immediate threat, but may intimidate employees who overhear. Ask the employee to calm down or leave the conversation. If the behavior continues, send her home and deal with the incident as a disciplinary action the next day.
Violence in the workplace is a very serious issue. It is worth the time and expense to send all managers to a seminar or to view a training webcast on the topic. They will learn how to spot trouble before it arises and how to deal with it if it happens. You will find training options in Chapter 20.
