About one-third of small- and mid-sized businesses have experienced episodes of workplace violence, according to a new poll, and respondents say they’re worried the problem could grow worse due to the social disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A survey conducted by Zogby Analytics with specialty insurer Hartford Steam Boiler found that, of 405 business owners, managers and executives polled, 34% reported at least one serious employee threat or violent incident. About 31% of respondents said workplace violence is getting worse, while 41% said they believe the consequences of such outbursts are becoming more severe in terms of employee morale, retention and lost productivity.
About half of business managers said they believe workplace violence is random, and 40% said they believe stress brought on by the coronavirus pandemic will make violent incidents more likely in the future.
When asked how their company would respond to an employee making a violent threat, about half of those polled said that worker would be terminated immediately. Others said the employee would likely be suspended, put on probation, reassigned or referred for counseling.
