So what is occupational violence, and how do you recognise it? One legal definition reports it as “repeated examples of organisational violence and aggression” that undermines workplace safety. It can include online, and offline, workplace incivility, aggression, abuse and bullying and is regarded as “voluntary behaviour that violates significant organisational norms and in so doing, threatens the well-being of an organisation, its members, or both” (Robinson & Bennet, 1995, p. 556).
Researchers found occupational violence more likely to manifest if workplace violence and aggression was accepted and normalised in the corporate culture (Mayhew, 2007; Weatherbee & Kelloway, 2006). In my research, I described occupational violence as a “violence continuum” that percolates as discourtesy, disrespect and uncivil behaviours that, without intervention, escalates into online or offline intimidation, bullying and harassment, verbal or cyber assault, and physical aggression.
Image courtesy of Dr Flis Lawrence, Founder – Stop Workplace Cyberbullying
Organisational researchers report that successful intervention processes rely on robust organisational reporting and rigorous conflict resolution procedures that are only successful when employees are confident in management’s authentic support in enforcing the resolution process.
My research, plus 25 years of workplace experience in military and government environments, enabled me to develop five steps that allows you to quickly recognise, and de-escalate, occupational violence, such as online and offline incivility, bullying, aggression and abuse. These steps ensure you are the one in control of the situation, so you can then take back your personal power and feel safer in the workplace.
Five steps process developed by Dr Flis Lawrence, Founder – Stop Workplace Cyberbullying
Is the perpetrator confused, threatening, yelling (or writing), profanities, talking (or writing about) hurting you or something or someone, standing over you, finger pointing and writing abusive emails or posts, making fists?
Recognise how you are feeling. Ask yourself, “Do I feel unsafe right now?” If so, then you are likely experiencing online and/or offline workplace violence, which range from deliberate disrespect to aggression, bullying or abuse.
Control of your response! For example, take three deep breaths. Or, for a couple of seconds, vividly recall a happier event such as a holiday as this “mental break” helps move your body out of the fight/flight response and allows you to control your response (rather than a reaction). You can practice this technique with anyone at any time.
Defuse the behaviour by remaining calm and professional, listening and ask clarifying, open-ended questions.
This strategy helps the person use their rational, rather than their emotional, side of their brain. For example:
Further defuse the situation and take back control by asking if you can take notes to “make sure you remember all the details.” This is a very professional strategy that allows you to occasionally break eye contact and have an excuse to look away and think (it’s hard to think clearly when being forced to maintain constant eye contact). You’re also developing your evidence. This simple technique takes the pressure off you without being submissive. For example, “Pia, do you mind if I take notes so I can record the details?”. Lean slightly forward and nod occasionally to indicate you’re listening.
Empower yourself by documenting the incident’s details (use the Incident Workbook at the end of this article), and calmly, professionally reporting the incident to HR and your boss (or their supervisor). You will be taken more seriously if you remain calm during these discussions, and provide the evidence in a written report. Clearly state this incident has made you feel unsafe and request options to help you feel safe@work – feel free to develop your own options. For any online matters, report to your ICT team. If you feel threatened, report the online or offline matter to your local police.
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Brilliant clear article with straightforward actionable steps. Many thanks for sharing it.
No worries Michelle – let me know if you’d like me to write an article on a specific topic around this space.
cheers
Dr Flis Lawrence