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The Early Warning Signs

There are usually warning signs before somebody becomes violent at work. As an employee, it's vital for your safety and the safety of your coworkers to recognize these signs. However, you may also recognize early warning signs of possible violence in the behavior of people who may become the victims of violence – for example, when someone is afraid he is going to be hurt by someone else.

Stages of violent behavior

Everybody goes through phases when they experience stress in their personal lives, in their careers, or both. During these difficult times, it's common for people to display behaviors similar to the warning signs that suggest the potential for workplace violence. So it's important to remember not to jump to the conclusion that someone is going to become violent because that person is late for work a few times, looks scattered on the odd occasion, or complains about his manager.

Workplace violence usually occurs after a series of escalating events. These events can be categorized into three general stages:

• Stage 1: early warning signs
• Stage 2: intensification, and
• Stage 3: open aggression

Warning signs

Generally, there are two types of warning signs: personal indicators and aggravating issues.

There are several common personal indicators that may signal a potential for workplace violence:

• a history of violence
• depression
• alienation from coworkers and friends
• evidence of a persecution complex
• poor personal hygiene
• a negative change in personality
• an unhealthy fascination with weapons
• substance abuse, and
• a marked deterioration in work ethic

There are also some common examples of such aggravating issues:

• problems at home with relationships and money
• problems with employment, including demotion, layoffs, and termination
• problems with managers and coworkers, or
• criminal matters unrelated to the workplace

Benefits of recognizing warning signs

As a coworker, supervisor, or HR professional, it's important to take some time to familiarize yourself with personal indicators, aggravating issues, and stages of violence. Sometimes warning signs are easy to miss – and not all of these signs necessarily mean violence will follow. Understanding the signs and acting appropriately may prevent workplace violence.

Before someone becomes violent in the workplace, there are often warning signs – from that person, and sometimes from people afraid someone else is going to hurt them. Violent behavior usually moves through three stages – early warning signs, intensification, and then open aggression. Warning signs that someone may become violent in the workplace include personal indicators – such as behavioral changes – and aggravating issues, which are external circumstances that can contribute to the escalation of aggression. Recognizing the warning signs of violence can help managers intervene appropriately and address high-risk employee behaviors before they escalate to violence. It can also help employees recognize situations and events that should be brought to the attention of supervisors and managers.