Dealing with workplace aggression
Smooth, professional collaboration between colleagues in the workplace is essential. Conflict or aggression affects people’s sense of security. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved and concrete tips on how to defuse situations can enable you as an organisation to take a stand against aggression.
Aggressive behaviour is never acceptable. If it occurs in your organisation, it’s important for everyone to know what to do to prevent escalation.
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What is workplace aggression?
Workplace aggression is a form of inappropriate behaviour. It creates a sense of being threatened, whether or not harm is actually intended. But the boundaries of what constitutes acceptable behaviour can differ from person to person. Aggressors aren’t necessarily aware that they are behaving inappropriately.
There are two possible forms of workplace aggression: internal and external. Internal aggression comes from colleagues or managers. Aggression by customers, suppliers, trainees, etc. is what we call external aggression.
Types of workplace aggression
Aggressive behaviour can take various forms:
Verbal aggression: shouting, swearing, heated arguments, discriminatory remarks
Physical aggression: pushing, hitting, vandalising, stealing
Psychological aggression: verbal or written threats, blackmail, humiliation
Nipping aggression in the bud
It’s important to record every incident. Only by doing so can we take measures to prevent similar incidents.
We can help with setting up or updating an aggression policy. Through training, employees can be taught the principles of respect at work and learn to handle incidents appropriately. By both spotting the signs quickly and responding to them properly.
That way, everyone can get on with their work feeling safe and motivated.
Tips from our experts