Workplace
Rage
Stop
the Madness with a Systematic Tool
Keeping peace in the workplace has suddenly become a bigger priority than
productivity and profitability. Countless occurrences of retaliation by
disgruntled employees are forcing employers to keep a watchful eye out for sour
relationships that may develop between bosses and co-workers and could result in
workplace rage. Shockingly, nearly 25
percent of 1000 respondents to a recent survey indicated that they were angry
while on the job.
Causes for the anger vary, but an overwhelming majority cited the
treatment they received from their immediate supervisors and managers. Others
indicated their anger toward co-workers who did not pull their weight and heavy
workloads with tight deadlines. With so much posturing of angry employees,
companies are focusing on the problem of workplace rage and it's effect on
productivity and performance.
"A person should feel secure and free from harm in his or her
working environment," said Allen County Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney,
Mike Loomis. "The world is a violent place. We are always concerned about
the circumstances that lead to violent acts. Whenever possible we encourage
those in the private sector to take reasonable precaution to prevent situations
from escalating to a level that threatens public safety."
As these incidences of workplace rage increase, employers are looking for
solutions that will beef up awareness of the problem in order to get on with
business. One solution has been introduced by Roster Network, an alliance of
Indiana professional-services firms that offer a tool to counteract workplace
rage through its Position MatrixTM.
"It's easy to understand how an employer or supervisor can overlook
concerns of an employee without some type of on-going measurement of
performance," says Stephen Trexler, Roster, Inc. vice president. "The
Position MatrixTM is a one-page job description that communicates
what is expected of each employee in clear and simple terms. Most employers
using the system have found that the employees' self-appraisals are more candid
and accurate than the appraisals of their supervisors. This self-appraisal
process creates an opportunity for employees to tell their side of the story. In
addition, Roster's Business Needs Manual includes templates for Employee
Handbooks developed by Baker & Daniels, a leading Indiana law firm. These
templates include a grievance procedure that provides employees with an avenue
to cite any actions or decisions they perceive as being unfair. It creates an
opportunity for employees to let off steam. From an employer's standpoint, it
safeguards against employee claims of discrimination and harassment."
Trexler said that the Position MatrixTM allows managers to recognize an employee problem before it hits the boiling point. It ultimately defies employees not to hold back information that could benefit them in up-grading their position within the company. It also allows for an even playing field between employees and management.