Aggression in the workplace

Research shows that every year over two million Dutch people encounter aggression at work. From spitting, swearing to hitting or kicking. It can be aggression between colleagues, between guests, or from guests towards staff. Since the start of the coronavirus crisis, the number of reports of workplace aggression has increased.  

Aggression at work can have a significant impact on an employee's life, for example, you may develop stress or anxiety symptoms, and sometimes workplace aggression even leads to post-traumatic stress symptoms. This should of course be prevented as much as possible. What can you do yourself against aggression and what role does your employer play in this?  

Your employer's responsibility 

As an employee, you are entitled to a safe workplace under the Working Conditions Act. Your employer is responsible for this. Your employer is obliged to take steps to prevent you from encountering aggression. Your employer can do this in various ways by: 

• implementing a good physical security system, such as a secure safe, no large amounts of cash in the company, CCTV, a good alarm system, and sufficient escape routes.
• ensuring there are procedures to prevent violence and aggression and that you and your colleagues are familiar with these procedures, for example, always opening or closing in pairs.
• training you and your colleagues in dealing with aggression and violence.

What can you do yourself? 

A safe working environment is an important condition for many employees to come to (or stay at) a workplace. This means it is also important for employers that such a work environment exists. If you experience an unsafe working environment, discuss it with your employer. You can also always contact us for further information.