GL&A Hostility/Violence in the Workplace Training and Interventions

Hostility/Violence in the Workplace Training and Interventions

As companies are paying more attention to issues of violence and hostility, there is a greater need to be aware of the warning signs of potentially at-risk employees as well as "toxic work environments" that may trigger an incident. Dr. Lewis provides training for and consultation to organizations wishing to increase their awareness and response to this issue..
In 1998, Dr. Lewis wrote his 2nd book, Workplace Hostility: Myth & Reality. This book cuts through the hysteria and hype surrounding this issue and looks realistically at the workplace in America which is actually safer than at any other time in history. It is very accessible and provides a comprehensive and realistic strategy for understanding the dynamics of workplace hostility and managing it effectively. (click here for for a detailed description of the book)

DR. LEWIS CONDUCTS TRAINING PROGRAMS ON WORKPLACE HOSTILITY THAT COVER THE MATERIAL IN THE BOOK THROUGH AN INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP THAT INCLUDES: SLIDES, LECTURE, SMALL GROUP EXERCISES, ROLE PLAYING AND VIEWING VIDEO TAPES.

The training program covers:
AN OVERVIEW OF CONFLICT, HOSTILITY AND VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE
This portion of the program will: 1) review current statistics on workplace violence in an effort to place it in a realistic context; 2) look at the history of the 20th century workplace, how it has changed and the progress that has been made in curbing structural and interpersonal violence; 3) define the differences between conflict, hostility and violence; and 4) orient the participants to the need for mental health professionals to provide proactive consultation rather than to fan the flames of hysteria.

DIFFERENTIATING THE "TROUBLED" EMPLOYEE FROM THE "AT RISK" EMPLOYEE
From within the identified symptoms of a troubled employee, this portion of the program will focus on those symptoms that represent a greater potential for violence or hostility. The "At Risk" Assessment Worksheet (developed by presenter) will be utilized.

THE "AT RISK" WORKPLACE AND THE "TOXIC" WORKPLACE
The at risk workplace is that which is subject to potential violence from "outside" sources. The "toxic" workplace is that which is subject to hostility and violence from within. This portion of the program will focus on the characteristics of each.

POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND PROGRAMS
It is essential that organizations develop policies around appropriate behavior in the workplace; zero tolerance for violence, sexual harassment, drugs and alcohol are examples of such policies. Often the policies are incomplete and do not fully describe investigatory, disciplinary or administrative procedures that will be involved. This portion of the program will review sample policies and ways to improve them.