Every workplace should take the issue of violence seriously, and investing in proper training can make a huge difference. According to recent research, every dollar spent on workplace violence training yields three dollars in return. To understand why this is the case, it’s important to look at the cost of workplace violence and the impact that well-trained employees can have on preventing such incidents.
The Cost of Workplace Violence
Workplace violence costs businesses a great deal of money each year, with estimates ranging from $36 billion to $70 billion annually. This includes direct expenses such as medical costs and workers compensation insurance premiums, but it also takes into account indirect costs like lost productivity due to employee absences or fear of further incidents. It’s clear that any steps taken to reduce incidents of workplace violence will result in significant savings for companies.
Workplace violence training helps employees recognize warning signs and react appropriately when faced with potential threats. Equipping them with skills like de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution strategies gives them the tools they need to prevent potential outbreaks of violence before they occur. Additionally, having a plan in place for responding quickly and efficiently when an incident does occur can help minimize its impact on your workforce and your bottom line.
Employees who are trained in how to spot early warning signs—such as changes in behavior or communications—can intervene before situations escalate out of control. Such early interventions may be as simple as offering support or referring someone to counseling services; however, they can have a profound effect on both safety and morale. In addition, by providing resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer confidential psychological counseling services, employers can help their staff feel safer while helping contain expenses related to mental health issues or other stressors that could lead to workplace violence incidents if left unchecked.
It is vital for companies to invest in proper workplace violence training if they want their employees and business operations remain safe from harm. Research has shown that for every dollar invested in such training, there is an estimated three-fold return on investment due to reduced medical costs, fewer employee absences from fear or injury, increased productivity due to improved morale, and more efficient responses when incidents do occur. Investing in this type of training pays off over time and helps create a culture where everyone feels safe at work.
80:20 Conflict Management Strategies
