Red Flags at Work: Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Workplace Violence

As essential as it is to identify risk factors of workplace violence, it's important to avoid misidentification of warning signs that said behaviors that go unchecked and emotional needs that go unsupported could develop into expressions of violence and aggression. Typical warning signs include acting out through yelling, slamming doors, throwing objects, not accepting responsibility, deceptive or addictive avoidance strategies, selfishness or behaving in a way that shows lack of care for others, lack of flexibility, social graces, or the ability to see other points of view. Again, these personality traits and behaviors are simply useful predictors of workplace violence. The goal of being aware of these risk factors and warning signs is to intervene with positive behavior support early on to help employees and clientele avoid allowing their emotions and tendencies to manifest as aggressive and threatening acts.