HARTFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Workplace violence has occurred at one-third of small businesses, HSB reported today on the results of a survey of owners and managers, and many worry the problem is getting worse.
The HSB poll by Zogby Analytics found 34 percent of the small and mid-size businesses responding had experienced at least one serious employee threat or violent incident.
Workplace violence is increasing, according to 31 percent of the business representatives, while 41 percent believe the consequences are becoming more severe, in terms of lower employee morale, retention, lost productivity, and lost sales and profits.
Half of the business managers think workplace violence is random and 40 percent expect the stress and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic will make violent incidents more likely in the future.
Workplace Violence Targets Any Type of Business
Owners, managers and executives of small to mid-size companies were polled for HSB, part of Munich Re, and a multiline insurer of businesses and other employers.
Workplace violence was defined as the threat of physical harm when there was the presence of a weapon, or the use of force that caused a…
