As workplace shootings continue to be highly publicized and important topics of discussion, it is important to understand the data behind incidents of workplace violence. SHRM’s 2019 study of workplace violence relies on OSHA’s definition which ranges from threats and verbal abuse to more extreme examples like physical assaults and even homicide.
In this context, incidents of workplace violence are be more common than might be expected. Nearly half of HR professionals said their organization had at some point experienced a workplace violence incident—up from 36 percent in 2012. And of those who reported having ever experienced workplace violence, over half said their organization had experienced an incident in the last year.
"Companies and HR should and must do more to make employees feel safe at work," said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., president and CEO of SHRM. "This data shows we have a lot of work to do in terms of security, prevention, training and response."
Read the full report: Workplace Violence 2019
Download the infographic
For more guidance on workplace violence see SHRM's online toolkit:
Understanding Workplace Violence Prevention and Response
