Workplace violence prevention is a mix of three things: spotting warning signs early, having a clear written response plan, and training employees so nobody freezes when it matters. Most incidents don’t come out of nowhere. They build over time, and the employers who handle them best are the ones who acted on small signals before they became big ones. If you run an office in Alexandria, VA, a licensed security partner can help you assess your risk, put low-profile protection in place, and train your team. Tullis Worldwide Protection (DCJS #11-7307) offers a free initial consultation at 703-618-1273.
The rest of this guide walks through how to do it, step by step, in plain language.
What Counts as Workplace Violence?
It evokes the most negative scenario possible. Actually, however, workplace violence is rather broad in scope, encompassing such actions as:
- Any form of threat, whether verbal, written, or through digital media,
- Intimidation, stalking, and harassing a colleague,
- Physical attack on an individual,
- An attack by an outsider, for instance, a client, an ex-employee, or an ex-partner visiting the office,
- An active shooter scenario or other armed attack, which are extremely rare but should still be prepared for.
The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) considers workplace violence a potential safety hazard that employers should deal with, and their website offers some free resources in this respect. It can serve as a good foundation if one plans to develop an entire program.
Why Alexandria Employers Are Paying More Attention
Alexandria is a busy place to conduct business where offices in Old Town, Carlyle, Eisenhower East and Potomac Yard compete for space with retailers, restaurants, and pedestrian traffic. They include many of those that have government contractors, associations and professional firms which handle sensitive matters on a regular basis.
There are a few reasons why local planning becomes an important issue here:
- Accessibility. Lobbies and joint facilities are usually open to all people. This may be both convenient and dangerous.
- Stressful situations. Dismissals, termination of employment, contract disputes and other problems occur regularly in any workplace and a minority of them get out of control.
- Public interest. Companies from Washington, DC become noticeable in a way that other cities cannot match.
This does not mean that Alexandria is not safe enough for conducting business. On the contrary, proper planning reflects professionalism rather than concerns.
What Are the Warning Signs of Workplace Violence?
There is no standard profile, and there is no specific indicator that confirms that a person is a threat. What is needed is a pattern, and the main thing here is to look for a deviation in his behavior from his normal condition. Typical warning signs may be:
- Threats to kill oneself or others, even as a joke;
- Obsessive concentration on the problem itself, co-worker or superior;
- Sudden shift in mood, attendance and performance;
- Harassment or control over colleagues;
- The issue of weapons in unusual contexts;
- Excessive sensitivity to discipline.
You should not rely on the assumption that someone already mentioned it; most likely, no one did before you. A brief and neutral message to HR or your manager will do the trick.
How to Build a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (Step by Step)
The last thing you need is a hundred-page binder. What you need is something people will actually read. Here’s a practical order of operations.
- Evaluate your risk. Walk your building the way a stranger would. How does one enter your building unseen? Who runs the front desk? What goes on outside regular business hours? An assessment from a professional will find the issues that have slipped your organization’s attention.
- Write a concise policy. In clear language, state your organization will not tolerate threats and violence, detail what employees should do if they see an issue, and assure them reports will be taken seriously and investigated appropriately.
- Provide a reporting structure. Employees will not report problems when they cannot figure out how to report them. Provide multiple options for reporting, including but not limited to a manager, HR or anonymous reporting.
- Establish a small threat assessment team. Typically includes HR, legal, management, and security personnel. This team investigates and evaluates potential threatening situations.
- Prepare for potentially dangerous times. Termination of employees, layoffs, and restraining order scenarios warrant additional consideration. This may mean having a quiet security agent present. Our corporate security service is designed to do exactly this – ensure safety without making the office resemble a fortress.
- Train your staff. Without practice, even the best plan is useless. More about this further down.
- Evaluate the plan annually. Employees and offices change, and so do the threats.
When Should You Bring In Professional Security?
It’s not necessary to have someone guarding the entry on a daily basis to be concerned about your safety. However, there are times when external assistance is highly warranted:
- Prearranged termination that gives you grounds for anticipating some kind of confrontation
- Previous employee who threatened you or showed up unexpectedly
- Restraining order involving a person related to your business premises
- An open-to-public event or a meeting of importance at your office
- A disturbing trend of conduct that your staff finds hard to address
Our corporate violence prevention solution will ensure safe and secure work environment regardless of the threat level; our agents will act inconspicuously to ensure that everything remains as usual during the day. In case you require a professional assessment of the problem, our corporate investigations department is responsible for harassment, ethics, and compliance issues.
Why Active Shooter Training Is Part of the Conversation
It’s an unpleasant topic, and most employers prefer not to dwell on it. But the point of being prepared is being confident, not scared. Once people have discussed the scenarios, they’re much less likely to panic.
If you want your people trained for this, there’s Tullis Worldwide that offers Active Shooter Training. If you’re looking for federal assistance in preparing for an attack, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and FBI’s active shooter safety resources deserve a bookmark.
A couple of training guidelines that stand true:
- It needs to be pragmatic. What people are trained for, they can do; not what people were lectured on.
- It should be universal. The receptionist, the janitors, and the new recruits need as much preparation as the managers.
- Repetition is key. One session won’t suffice.
How to Choose a Security Provider in Alexandria
Not all security companies are equipped to handle sensitive workplace situations. Before you employ us, take note of these:
- License. Have them tell you their license number, which you can verify through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Tullis Worldwide’s is DCJS #11-7307.
- Personnel. Inquire about how agents are selected. We do not employ strangers. Our agents usually have been acquainted with us prior to being employed so we already know their nature.
- Discretion. Sensitive situations require discretion. Find out how they will be able to keep their professionalism.
- Response time. Security issues cannot be procrastinated on. Depending on what you need, we can give you security immediately after your first interview.
- Price point clarity. Price points should vary depending on the threat level, location, and the period of employment. Be wary of flat prices offered without you asking any questions yet.
An Example: A Termination Handled Quietly
This is only an illustration and not a real case study.
A medium sized company based in Alexandria wants to terminate employment of an employee who has turned out to be very agitated lately in his meetings. They cannot afford to have guards in full uniforms posted at the entrance, since that may cause panic among all the other employees in the office. Instead, they call in one private guard to keep watch near the area where the meeting takes place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does workplace violence prevention mean?
Workplace violence prevention refers to the process by which an employer mitigates the risk of workplace threats or acts of violence. The process incorporates risk assessments, policies, reporting mechanisms, threat assessments, security measures, and training.
What are the early warning signs of workplace violence?
Warning signs may involve threats of hurting others, obsession with a certain issue, unusual behavior, intimidation of other employees, and disproportionate reaction to punishment. No one warning sign alone indicates violence, however.
Is it necessary for small businesses in Alexandria to have a workplace violence plan?
Yes. Small offices have few resources to help in the aftermath, hence the need for planning and training.
Do security officers assist during firings or layoffs?
Yes. A discreet security officer will be present to maintain order and ensure that the staff remains safe if things become hostile.
Do you provide active shooter training at Tullis Worldwide?
Yes. We provide Active Shooter Training for companies who would like their staff to be ready.
How quickly can you provide security for your business place?
Usually the same day as your first interview, based on your needs.
Is the first interview free of charge?
Yes. We provide a free initial interview to all clients.
Talk to Tullis Worldwide Protection
If something at your workplace is worrying you, or you simply want a plan before you need one, we’re glad to talk. You don’t need to have the details sorted out first.
- Call: 703-618-1273
- Email: devin@tullisworldwide.com
- Free consultation: Contact us here
- Related reading: Executive Protection and Security Services in Alexandria, VA
- More guides: Tullis Worldwide blog
For local public safety information, see the City of Alexandria and Alexandria Police Department websites.