Workplace Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The stressful environment the COVID-19 pandemic has created has translated into the workplace. As employees return to in-person work there has been an increase in workplace violence incidences. Retail employees have been faced with violence because of mask wearing and social distancing practices, but there has also been an increase in inter-employee tension. This tension can be attributed to differing attitudes and values employees have in relation to the virus. 

Epstein Becker and Green attorney, Beth McManus, lays out strategies to deal with this rising issue.

• Companies need to have well drafted workplace violence policies and well-defined procedures to address incidences

• Employees should be educated about emergency safety plans

• Employers should empathize with workers and prioritize checking in on employee well-being

Epstein Beck and Green #WorkforceWednesday video addressing workplace violence can be found here.