When it comes to workplace violence, prevention isn’t just about planning for worst-case scenarios. It’s about building a culture where awareness, readiness, and respect are part of the daily routine. Every organization, regardless of size or industry, faces some level of risk. The smartest employers know that creating a culture of preparedness not only protects people, it protects the business itself.
A safe culture is a smart business move. It leads to lower turnover, higher morale, and increased productivity. In fact, according to a Gallup study, business units with higher employee engagement (often linked to feelings of safety and trust) experience 21% higher profitability, 41% lower absenteeism, and 59% less turnover. When employees feel supported and secure, the entire organization performs better. Reducing risk doesn’t just mean avoiding harm—it means reinforcing results.
There’s also a clear financial case to be made. The fallout from a single workplace violence incident (whether physical, verbal, or psychological) can include legal costs, operational disruption, reputational damage, and long-term emotional tolls on your team. In fact, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workplace violence costs employers an estimated $121 billion annually in lost productivity, legal expenses, and other related costs.
On the other hand, organizations that invest in proactive prevention see measurable returns. A report by Liberty Mutual Insurance found that every $1 invested in workplace safety can yield a return of $4 to $6 in cost savings—through fewer injuries, reduced absenteeism, and improved productivity. Workplace Violence Prevention is more than a moral imperative, it’s a smart, strategic investment. Frontline safety leads to a stronger bottom line.
Let’s break it down: In the section that follows, we’ll walk you through three key steps to help you build a culture of preparedness that empowers your team, supports a safer workplace, and protects your business from the unexpected.
Why it matters: You can’t prevent what you don’t understand. Every workplace has its own unique set of risks—whether it’s physical layout vulnerabilities, unresolved tensions, or a lack of communication channels. Ignoring these blind spots can leave your team exposed to threats that might have been preventable.
How to do it: Start with a thorough risk assessment. Review past incidents or close calls, observe how employees interact, and identify any gaps in policies or procedures. An honest, detailed evaluation gives you a roadmap for prevention.
Why it matters: Safety isn’t just a leadership issue; it’s a collective one. When only a few people carry the burden of preparedness, things get missed. But when everyone is part of the solution, early warning signs are more likely to be spotted and addressed.
How to do it: Create an environment where employees are trained to recognize red flags and feel safe speaking up. This might mean regular training, open-door reporting policies, and reinforcing the idea that vigilance is a team effort.
Why it matters: A culture that prioritizes inclusion, communication, and psychological safety is one where people feel supported, not silenced. When DEI and workplace culture initiatives are deprioritized, it sends a message that employee well-being is negotiable. That kind of environment can lead to disengagement, higher turnover, and increased risk, especially among underrepresented groups and younger employees who expect more from their employers.
How to do it: Embed safety and respect into your culture by fostering open dialogue, investing in inclusive leadership, and offering meaningful, ongoing workplace culture training. When employees trust their organization to protect them, both physically and emotionally, they show up more engaged, confident, and committed. Online training programs that focus on building inclusive, respectful workplaces are one of the most scalable and effective tools to reinforce those values.
Workplace Violence Prevention isn’t just a best practice, it’s a growing compliance requirement. States like New York and California now mandate that employers provide workplace violence prevention training and implement comprehensive prevention plans. Whether you’re responding to new legal obligations or proactively protecting your team, SHIFT HR Compliance Training can help.
Our expert-designed, engaging training solutions are built to:
Learn more about how our Workplace Violence Prevention Training can help.
Now more than ever, employees want to know that their employer takes their safety seriously. By making workplace violence prevention a priority, you’re not just following best practices, you’re building trust, reinforcing your values, and positioning your company as a responsible, people-first organization. And in today’s world, that’s not only ethical, it’s essential for long-term success.
Let SHIFT help you create a safer, more confident workplace—one step at a time. Learn more about our Preventing Workplace Violence training, download our prevention checklist here, or contact us for a demo of our course.
Do you have any questions about our HR Compliance or Workplace Culture training? Contact us today to discover how we can elevate your training programs and support you in creating a more inclusive and empowering workplace.
