June 5, 2026
What businesses can do to prevent workplace violence
Workplace violence is a real threat for businesses of every size and type. While it’s natural to think “it will not happen here,” the most effective organizations assume it could and take active steps to prevent it.
In part 1 of this series, learn about what workplace violence is and how your company can help prevent it.
What counts as workplace violence?
Workplace violence includes more than active shooter events. It covers any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the workplace.
Incidents can come from:
- Current or former employees
- Customers, clients or patients
- Personal relationships that spill into the workplace, such as domestic violence situations
Understanding this broader definition helps employers catch issues earlier and respond before they escalate.
Company policy and culture
A strong, clearly communicated policy is the foundation of any workplace violence prevention effort. Businesses should:
- Adopt a zero tolerance policy for threats, intimidation and violent acts by or against employees, customers, contractors and visitors.
- Communicate that employees can report concerns without fear of retaliation, and that every report will be taken seriously and investigated.
- Incorporate the policy into the employee handbook and have employees acknowledge it in writing.
- Incorporate workplace violence awareness training into your routine employee training program.
Culture is just as important as policy. When leaders talk openly about safety as well as workplace violence, follow company rules and respond promptly to concerns, they send a clear message to their employees that safety is a priority.
Threat assessment process
Many effective programs use a multidisciplinary threat assessment team to evaluate and address reported concerns. This team often includes:
- Human resources
- Management or ownership
- Security, safety or risk management personnel
- Legal counsel or an external advisor, as needed
This team’s role is to:
- Review reports of threats concerning behavior, or escalating conflict
- Assess the level of risk using consistent criteria
- Decide on next steps, which may include coaching, discipline, law enforcement involvement, security changes or employee support (e.g., EAP referrals)
Having this structure in place before an incident ensures decisions are timely, proactive and coordinated.
Make the workplace harder to harm
Building updates do not have to be expensive to be effective. Even a small business can make targeted improvements based on their specific risks.
- Implement or strengthen existing access control: Use ID badges, electronic keys, visitor sign in procedures and locked doors where appropriate.
- Improve lighting and visibility: Well lit parking lots, entrances and work areas can deter violence and improve employee comfort, especially for early or late shifts.
- Use cameras and alarms: Video surveillance, panic buttons or handheld alarms can help deter incidents and provide evidence when something happens.
- Adjust work practices: Consider policies like “no employee works alone at night,” using drop safes for cash handling and avoiding sending staff into locations where they feel unsafe.
- Consult with professionals: Ask your local law enforcement for their guidance and suggestions specific to your workplace.
Why this matters for businesses
For employers, workplace violence prevention is both a moral responsibility and a sound risk management strategy. Leaders who invest in policy, culture, training and practical safeguards are proactively protecting their employees and their long term business continuity in a world where expectations around safety continue to elevate.
Continue with part 2 of this series, including tips on preparing and planning for workplace violence events.