The True Cost of Workplace Violence

An act of violence in the workplace has a much greater cost than most people realize. Disruption to production, employee fear, and customer hesitation can continue to impact the bottom line well beyond the incident. Although the initial occurrence may slowly dissipate from people’s memories as time passes, some situations require trauma care and grief counseling, and all of this at the expense of the business where the event took place. The risk of workplace confrontation continues to climb due to economic hardship, rising healthcare costs, and substantial layoffs. Open threats can raise significant concern, leaving employees feeling vulnerable at work.

Hidden Costs of Workplace Violence

A construction site is at risk of workplace violence, but the approach to site security differs from that for a hotel or corporate lobby. Regardless of industry, workplace violence has a far-reaching impact with many hidden costs beyond the initial costs businesses feel following an event of this nature.

Impact on Employees

One of the first things companies notice after an event that causes disruption is a noticeable dip in employee morale. Low morale creates a hostile workplace, and companies often experience significant staff losses following a workplace violence incident. Difficulty concentrating or conflict with other employees over the occurrence can lead to collateral consequences. Staff losses mean onboarding new employees, burdening those that stay, which can be too much. As is obvious, the cycle can go round from one workplace occurrence.

Healing and Counseling

If an event occurs in the workplace that turns violent and people are injured or even killed, the trauma can be more costly than imagined. Businesses can be liable for treating PTSD and other counseling, as well as any physical illnesses that occur as a result. If a company is found negligent, it is held financially responsible and must meet specific compliance requirements to continue operating. If an employee reports feeling fearful or experiencing a threatening message, verbally or otherwise, or if certain behaviors are evident in the workplace, employers should take this seriously.

Customers and Reputation

Today, social media posts anything and everything, without a filter. A customer’s perception of what happened can easily be influenced by what they see reported. A violent event in the workplace can make customers fearful, angry, and leave businesses wishing they had taken a proactive approach to security and safety. Although not true in every scenario, once news hits that employees were threatened, afraid, locked down, or otherwise affected, a company’s reputation begins to come into question. Hiring private security guards to provide first-line protection at work is the best way to keep the workplace protected, keep employees comfortable, and mitigate threats in real time.

Proactively Protect People

Instead of waiting for the other shoe to drop in a tense work environment, more companies are choosing a proactive approach to workplace security. Additional measures, including access control and perimeter monitoring, are among the most requested by private security guard firms. Parking escorts and 24-hour patrols are becoming more common, even in corporate settings. The cost of a private security guard is nominal compared to the cost of your company’s staff, safety, and reputation. Skilled workplace security officers are trained and have experience in a variety of workplace settings and are familiar with trending threats and risks associated with different industries and environments.

Workplace Safety and Security Officers

Not all security guards are created equal. There are unique backgrounds and training that best prepare professional security guards for workplace environments. It is critical to understand emerging threats and risks, accurately assess each situation, and respond discreetly to minimize disruption to the flow of business.

A loud argument or unexpected termination can instantly create fear and uncertainty in the workplace. It is well known that the presence of a professional security guard in uniform helps people overcome such occurrences because they are handled immediately, and people feel safe. Speaking with a security coordinator can help them understand your workplace's unique needs and provide insight into solutions that fit the budget and are tailored to your specific concerns.

If you suspect there may be underlying tension in the workplace, or an employee has displayed some of the red flags of a disgruntled employee, please do not hesitate to contact Off Duty Officers, Inc. today at 844-461-2230. We have trained, ready-to-go security officers who can immediately establish authority, alleviate tension, and assess the risks. Our professionals work side by side with companies to ensure all their concerns are addressed, and employees and customers feel secure. Workplace security guards are known for their instinct to act and address problems, whether a perimeter breach, a suspicious visitor without a badge, or behaviors common among those who may act on anger. We take great pride in the quality of security guards we provide for workplaces throughout the nation.

Call today at 844-461-2230 for a free quote and ensure the safety and security of your workplace.