Workplace Violence: How to Manage Anger and Violence in the Workplace
This comprehensive course equips workplace leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent, identify, and respond to workplace violence. Covering everything from the definition of workplace violence and the cycle of anger, to organizational policy development, risk assessment, threat response processes, and post-incident recovery, this course provides a full systems approach to creating safer workplaces.
What you'll learn
- Describe what workplace violence is and identify its common warning signs
- Apply the cycle of anger and Albert Bandura's behavior wheel to understand violent behavior
- Develop and apply a seven-step process for managing your own anger and others' anger
- Use effective communication strategies and problem-solving tools to reduce frustration and conflict
- Apply relaxation and coping techniques to manage anger in everyday situations
- Use the nine components of an organizational approach to preventing workplace violence
- Conduct a workplace risk assessment including victim, perpetrator, and environmental analyses
- Develop workplace violence policies, hiring practices, security systems, and emergency response plans
- Execute a 14-stage threat response process following a violent incident
- Support affected individuals and conduct post-incident follow-up after a violent event
Preview a lesson
What Is Workplace Violence? Workplace violence can take many forms, and its exact definition often depends on your organization and the region in which you operate. For example, some jurisdictions classify sexual harassment as a form of workplace violence, while others treat it separately. Regardless of how it is defined locally, most definitions encompass: **Verbal abuse** (e.g., yelling or threatening language) **Psychological or emotional abuse** (e.g., name-calling or intimidation) **Physical abuse** (e.g., hitting or pushing) **Sexual assault** Understanding what workplace violence means for *your* organization is a crucial first step in developing any policy or prevention program. The Cycle of Violence In most cases, workplace violence builds gradually—much like a thunderstorm. The cycle typically begins with **frustration**. When frustration goes unaddressed, it escalates into **anger**. If that anger is not resolved, it can eventually erupt into **violence**. Your goal is to interrupt this cycle early. Problem-solving tools, communication strategies, anger management techniques, and stress-relief routines can all help prevent frustration from reaching the stage of violence. Warning Signs to Watch For There are many behavioral indicators that may signal someone is moving toward a violent act. These include: Direct or indirect threats Suicidal or homicidal gestures Expressions of hopelessness, belligerence, or defiance Paranoid thoughts or delusions Signs of substance abuse Physical intimidation of people or property Sudden personality changes or
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Curriculum
Module 1: Understanding Workplace Violence
3 lessons- textWhat Is Workplace Violence?Preview
- textThe Behavior Wheel and Anger
- quizModule 1 Quiz
Module 2: Managing Anger Effectively
4 lessons- textThe Seven-Step Anger Management Process
- textCommunication Skills and Problem Solving
- textCoping Strategies and Relaxation Techniques
- quizModule 2 Quiz
Module 3: Organizational Prevention — Policy, Risk, and Design
3 lessons- textA Systems Approach to Violence Prevention
- textHiring Practices, Workplace Design, and Security Systems
- quizModule 3 Quiz
Module 4: Training, Emergency Planning, and Program Review
2 lessons- textDeveloping Training Programs and Emergency Response Plans
- quizModule 4 Quiz
Module 5: Threat Response — From Incident to Resolution
3 lessons- textThe Immediate Response and the 14-Stage Threat Response Process
- textInvestigation, Communication, and Post-Incident Support
- quizModule 5 Quiz