Would everyone agree that sometimes this world can seem like it is too much to handle or not very fair? Case in point… the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, life has obviously been made more difficult than usual and sadly, it may be quite some time before things return to “normal”. In fact, a lot of our old ways of living may become a thing of the past. For most, this reality can be increasingly difficult to cope with. 

Less human contact compounds stress.

Historically, as we spent more time at our jobs chasing the elusive dollar we would see less of our families and friends. In addition, there would often seem like we had more tasks to accomplish in a day than time allowed. Now due to the necessity of social distancing, close human contact has become a rarity. This can present even more dramatic challenges in quality living. Other everyday stressors that people are currently experiencing pertain to financial, relational, job security, and even health. Unsurprisingly, resulting conditions may cause heightened levels of stress, anxiety, depression, fear, and even anger. It would be hard to live through these difficult times without any repercussions, and this abrupt change to our state of living is leading us down a road of unknowns.

What leads to hostile work environments?

Due to the fast-paced reality of the world and the added stress brought on by the pandemic, the virtues of respect, kindness, compassion, and patience for those around us are an even more crucial component of business. Yet it would seem that the importance of considering the human factor has been overlooked in many businesses. Unfortunately, this can often result in hostile work environments that involve employee disgruntlement, lack of trust among colleagues, and overall detachment among the workforce. In some companies where team atmospheres are broken down into silos and cliques are formed, the focus on self-benefit eclipses the unified team mentality, and can even feel as if the business has evolved into survival of the fittest. As a result, productivity and quality of work frequently end up negatively affected. Even safety can become a concern if conditions become bad enough. 

Having a support system in place is vital.

As human beings, we are not meant to do this world alone. Everybody needs somebody whether it be family, friends, significant others, or “like” groups of people to share with. We all need to have accountability, have a shoulder to cry on, somewhere to go for help, and opportunities for escape and fun. By not considering the human factor, people lose that part that makes them human. Feelings of isolation or being mistreated can downward spiral into hopelessness and desperation for many. In extreme circumstances, when there is a feeling of nothing left to lose, acts of workplace violence and active shooter events can become the end result. 

Take a proactive approach to prevent workplace violence.

To be proactive against such conditions in the workplace everyone should adhere to the following guidelines:

• Be good-natured. Even though your smile may be hidden under a mask, going out of your way to be good-natured will have a positive effect on others.

• Choose to be nice. Regardless of what you have going on in your life, this is a choice that can be made.

• Be respectful and follow the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would want done to you.

• Be sincere.

• Make time to get to know the people you work with. Become familiar with who they are.

• Be sensitive to others. Consider their feelings as you never know what someone might be going through.

• Openly communicate and ask questions as necessary. Don’t be afraid of asking for assistance.

• Be aware of those around you and offer a helping hand if the need is apparent.

• Never take chances! If you see something that is concerning, say something to management. Always be factual, not opinionated or judgmental. 

In turn, employers have a responsibility to ensure that the work environment is a safe and healthy place of business. The following measures should be taken:

• Lead by example. If you talk the talk, walk the walk.

• Implement and enforce a no-tolerance policy against bullying and/or aggressive behavior.

• Provide guidance, consultation, and training to management on how to handle employees who exhibit performance and/or conduct issues.

• Take time for the employees. Clarify expectations of employment. Provide timely and quality performance reviews. Communicate areas of needed improvement and affirm good work.

• Demonstrate consistency in following policies and how each employee is treated.

• Show employees the importance of their role and how it relates to the success of the company. Everyone wants to matter.

• Be aware of and responsive to the needs of employees. Answer questions and help them accordingly.

• Offer an employee assistance program (EAP) and support services to counsel and/or treat employees suffering from personal problems. Examples might include:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Domestic abuse

  • Addictions (drug, alcohol, etc.)

  • Loss (death, divorce, etc.)

  • Sickness (physical, mental and emotional)

  • Financial difficulties

• Maintain confidentiality with employees.

Life is not easy, but it can be made a lot more tolerable with very little effort on the part of everyone involved. We are all in this together and the sooner we realize that the better off everyone will be. We must also remember that sometimes people just need help. In business, it may not be simply a problem employee but more so an employee with problems with nowhere to turn. 

KERAMIDA is a full-service Security, Environmental, Health and Safety consulting firm that can assist businesses in developing risk management plans to reduce the potential of all recognized types of violence, harassment, intimidation, and any other threatening behavior.  Workplace violence, regardless of what form, is a fact that must be recognized and addressed. Remember… it is always better to be proactive rather than reactive. This is especially true when people’s lives hang in the balance.

Blog Author

Andrew Tirmenstein
Senior Project Manager, Security, Health and Safety Services
KERAMIDA Inc.

Contact Andrew at atirmenstein@keramida.com.