Reality Check: Healthcare Workers Are estimated to have a 20% higher chance of being a victim of workplace violence than the average worker

We were unfortunately not surprised by the article by Kevin Jones we read in Security Management recently which discusses the security and safety of hospitals and their workers as well as shedding light on other staggering statistics from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Secret Service Threat Assessment Center.

Do these stats startle you?

• 761 workplace fatalities were the result of intentional injury from another person
• ~2,000,000 people are subject to workplace violence EVERY YEAR
• 12% of emergency room nurses surveyed were victims of physical assault in 2021
• Each year, 761,000 workers experience some form of physical assault
  in the workplace (National Crime Victimization Survey, 2021)
• Behind transportation incidents, violence is the top cause of death for
  women in the workplace (BLS, 2021)
• In the past decade, workplace violence has taken the lives of 788 U.S.
  workers per year, on average (BLS, 2011-2021)
• NIOSH estimates the annual nationwide economic cost of workplace
  violence is nearly $121 billion
• Employee productivity is estimated to decrease up to 50% in the 6 to
  18 weeks following an incident of violence, while turnover can increase
  to upwards of 30% to 40% (National Institute for the Prevention of
  Workplace Violence, n.d.)

Lost Productivity

And aside from the desire to eliminate these threats, let's look at the loss of productivity when employees feel unsafe at work. The threat of workplace violence significantly impacts employees' productivity. An environment marked by hostility, fear, or potential harm significantly undermines an employee's ability to perform at their best, leading to a severe decrease in overall productivity.

According to Zippia, workplace violence causes American businesses to lose, on average, $250 to $330 billion every year. (Zippia)

The impact of workplace violence can be observed at multiple levels. At the individual level, the fear of violence fosters a state of continuous anxiety and stress. Such a psychological state significantly hampers an employee's ability to focus, causing a dip in productivity. The constant worry of potential harm distracts employees from their tasks, reducing the quality and quantity of their output.

The constant threat of violence also contributes to absenteeism and employee turnover. Fearful of their safety, employees may take more sick days, arrive late, or even quit. These circumstances create a productivity void that other employees must fill, putting additional pressure on them and further decreasing overall productivity.

The potential of violence can affect an organization's culture, leading to a decline in morale and engagement. A hostile environment can lead to a disengaged workforce, leading to lower productivity levels. The perceived inability of management to address violence can lead to a lack of trust in leadership, further demotivating employees. This is where it is critical that administrators of all types of businesses and organizations can take a stand to better protect employees and visitors by implementing proper procedures, policies, and technologies within their security program.

The threat of workplace violence has a profound impact on individual employees and organizational productivity. To maintain a productive and healthy work environment, employers must establish strong policies against violence, create open communication channels, and ensure psychological safety for all employees.

Read the Security Management article here >>

Download the National Safety Council Fact Sheet here >>

Download the U.S. DoJ's Special Report: Indicators of Workplace Violence here >>

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