Organizational Recovery
Introduction
Despite the best-laid plans of any organization, violence in the workplace can and does happen.
Just as companies develop policies and procedures designed to head off these occurrences, they must be equally prepared to deal with the aftermath of such incidents. Quite often management's focus will be on getting the operational side of the department back in working order.
However, just as important as getting the department back on-line is attending to the impact such incidents can have on employees. This module will provide information designed to assist management in helping the organization recover after an incident of workplace violence.
Ensure a Management Presence
It's important managers commit ample time with their employees, in the workplace or wherever they may be. Employees need to be reassured of their concern, and they need to be able to ask questions. Senior management should ensure immediate supervisors are supported in this role, relieved of unnecessary duties, and not pulled away from their subordinates to write lengthy reports or prepare elaborate briefings.
Share Information with Employees
Employees will have many questions and they need the answers -- often more than once -- if they are to resolve the experience for themselves. Information will develop over time, so information strategies need to be simple and fluid. A notice board at the elevator or a recorded message on a "hotline" number may suffice for the basics. A user-friendly system for individual questions also needs to be established.
Include Union Leadership
It's always good policy to involve the union in designing the various programs within the safety management system. Union representatives can help in reassuring employees after an incident and in getting information to employees.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
7-1. After an incident of violence occurs at a workplace it is important to consider _____.
You forgot to answer the question!