| The myth is that violent employees just "go off". | | | | against me" |
| There are many indicators of potential violence that if | | | | - Escalation of domestic problems into the workplace; |
| recognized, can be managed, controlled and treated | | | | talk of severe financial problems |
| to decrease workplace violence. These are several of | | | | - Talk of previous incidents of violence, empathy with |
| the behaviors that can be present in a workplace | | | | individuals committing violence (child/spouse abuse |
| violence event. They can be seen individually or in | | | | and or physical altercations) |
| groups and if recognized for their potential they can | | | | - Increased unsolicited comments about firearms, |
| assist in defusing a situation; | | | | other dangerous weapons and violent crimes |
| - Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs | | | | These are some of the indicators that a manager or |
| - Unexplained increase in absenteeism; vague physical | | | | employer needs to be aware of before they step |
| complaints | | | | into the phase of termination or lay off. In |
| - Depression/withdrawal | | | | subsequent articles I will discuss where the |
| - Resistance and overreaction to changes in policy | | | | termination interview should take place, who should |
| and procedures | | | | be in attendance, what resources do you have to |
| - Repeated violation of company policies | | | | protect you should the employee turn violent, and |
| - Increased mood swings | | | | the do's and don'ts of any termination meeting. |
| - Noticeable unstable, emotional responses | | | | The decision to terminate an employee is typically |
| - Explosive outbursts of anger or rage without | | | | the last step in the employer/employee relationship. |
| provocation | | | | By recognizing these danger signs and taking |
| - Suicidal: comments about "putting things in order" | | | | preventative measures the relationship can end with |
| - Behavior which is suspect of paranoia. "Everyone is | | | | success and not disaster. |