Violence in the workplace: forms and consequences

Definition of violence

The International Labour Organization (ILO) describes violence in the workplace as "any act, occurrence or behaviour that deviates from appropriate behaviour as a result of which a person is seriously insulted, threatened, injured or wounded in the course of or as a direct consequence of his or her work." A distinction must be made between external and internal violence. External violence is exercised by customers, patients, clients. Internal violence is caused by colleagues, superiors or management.

Psychological violence in professional life

In recent years, we have read and heard about bullying again and again. Bullying is a form of psychological terror in the workplace. In this case, colleagues or supervisors take targeted and systematic action against an employee or colleague over a longer period of time. Those affected are often subjected to harassment, insults, insults or humiliation, e.g. through the withdrawal of responsibilities or responsibility, but also through the transfer of inappropriate activities or through denigration such as defamation or rumours. By the way, if the attacks come from the employer, one speaks of bossing.

A form of violence that has recently occurred is so-called stalking. In contrast to most acts of aggression, stalking usually occurs as an act of relationship. Increasingly, the stalking of a person also occurs in a work context. The protection of privacy is regularly disregarded and those affected are persecuted into their private lives.

Another taboo topic, which has to do with violence in the workplace, is violence against the elderly. It ranges from discrimination on the labour market to insult and social isolation to physical assaults. Discrimination on the basis of age is also called ageism. 

Effects of violence

The consequences of violence in the workplace are extremely varied. They range from demotivation to stress, anxiety and psychological and physical injuries. Often, those affected even lose their trust in the social environment. Violence at work also has an impact on work performance and climate. This is noticeable in the form of increased sick leave, declining motivation and lower productivity .

Health at risk

The negative psychological and physical consequences for employees affected by violence are undisputed. The health consequences for those affected can be serious. Physical injuries can cause inability to work or, in extreme cases, the death of employees. Conversely, psychological violence can also have a negative effect on physical well-being in the long term. 

Stress for the soul

In addition to the physical damage resulting directly from the use of violence, psychological consequences are of particular importance. There does not have to be a direct use of force. Threats of violence and verbal aggression also represent a considerable psychological stress.

Post-traumatic symptoms

The psychological injuries often manifest themselves in post-traumatic stress symptoms, such as sleep disorders, fears, intrusive memories, avoidance or suppression of circumstances and situations that are related to the event suffered.

Extensive disruptions

In the worst case, the symptoms can solidify into post-traumatic stress disorder. The consequences are inability to work, possibly occupational disability and early retirement, often addiction problems and disturbed social relationships. Fear of possible violence reduces the motivation and performance of employees and affects the working atmosphere.

Strain on body and mind

Severe psychological stress often leads to physical reactions that have nothing to do with a particular psychological vulnerability of those affected. Immediate health disorders can be: palpitations, dizziness, gastrointestinal disorders, severe feelings of anxiety, emotional lability, sleep disorders, headaches or feelings of exhaustion.