• Stress is one possible reason for violence in the workplace.stress image by Andrii IURLOV from Fotolia.com
  
  Violence in the workplace is a serious problem. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 504 of the 5,702 workplace fatalities reported in 2005 were homicides. Workplace violence occurs for a number of reasons, so it is important for business owners and supervisors to watch for potential signs.
  
  

Stress

• Stress that builds up over time may result in a violent outburst. The stress may be caused by overwork, rumors of layoffs or the pressure created by a demanding boss. Stress from outside the workplace, such as marital difficulties or dealing with the death or illness of a loved one or a child who constantly gets in trouble, can add to problems on the job.
  
  

Conflict

• In a situation like a workplace, where a variety of personalities come together under one roof, conflict between individuals is inevitable. A person with an aggressive personality may not mesh with a more reserved individual, which can create friction if the two must work together. Workplace romances that end badly may also create the potential for hostility, especially if a third party from the same workplace is involved.
  
  

Lack of Training

• Not all workplaces provide training so that workers know how to recognize and defuse possible violent situations. For example, training supervisors to recognize and resolve conflict between employees during the early stages can prevent the conflict from escalating into violence. Employees should also be trained as to what they should do if they face harassment or intimidation on the job.
  
  

Termination

• Workers who are terminated against their will may become violent, especially if they believe they were terminated unfairly or were forced out by a supervisor they did not get along with. Even if the worker shows no signs of violence during the termination meeting or when escorted from the premises by security, there is always the possibility the employee could seek retaliation in the future.
  
  

Lack of Advancement

• Employees who are repeatedly passed over for a promotion may become increasingly frustrated, which could eventually lead to violence. They may blame a supervisor for the lack of advancement or resent another employee who moved up through the ranks more quickly. These employees may become withdrawn or openly hostile toward supervisors or other workers.