WORKPLACE VIOLENCE INCREASING, REPORT SAYS

May 1, 2005 12:00 PM

           

CORPORATE SECURITY

A majority of senior executives responsible for human resources and security — 82 percent — report the number of workplace violence incidents have increased in the last two years.

A survey of 602 senior executives sponsored by Risk Control Strategies reveals increased outsourcing, downsizing, wage garnishments/salary reductions, perceived insufficient raises/bonuses and overall softening of the economy are contributing to the increase in workplace violence.

“Economic conditions are often the motivating factor for employees to retaliate against senior management,” says Paul Viollis, Ph.D., president of Risk Control Strategies. “As the economic downturn continues, outsourcing increases and wage garnishments skyrocket as a result of the new bankruptcy bill; things are only going to get worse for HR managers and security directors.”

Fifty-eight percent of companies report disgruntled employees have threatened to assault or kill senior managers in person or through e-mail in the last 12 months. Additionally, employees are intentionally downloading computer viruses, sexually harassing co-workers and sabotaging the company through malicious product tampering.

“Leveling verbal threats is one of the first signs that violence is imminent,” says Doug Kane, executive vice president of Risk Control Strategies.

Although 80 percent of respondents believe workplace violence is a bigger problem today than it was two years ago, only 15 percent of companies have increased their spending to combat workplace violence, according to the study.

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