Editor’s Note

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Workplace violence is on the rise. There have been several incidences during the past couple of years - from the 2015 WDBJ-TV shooting which occurred on-air to the most recent Aurora shooting - that reminds everyone that it is time companies do more than what they have been doing so far.

 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that every year nearly two million U.S. workers are victims of workplace violence. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics Census, homicide accounted for 10 percent of all fatal workplace injuries in 2016. And an FBI study found that businesses were the setting for nearly half of 160 active-shooter incidents over a 13-year-period the agency examined.

Five people lost their lives and an equal number of police officers were wounded during the shooting that took place in Aurora, IL, on February 15, 2019. When such acts of senseless violence occur, it robs employees of their sense of security in their workplaces and beyond. How can employers and managers make them feel safe in the wake of a workplace shooting? 

This month’s cover article, 6 Steps Employer Should Take In The Event Of Workplace Violence by Rob Wilson, talks about proactive measures you need to take in order to keep violence at bay.

Also read Rachel Sobel's article, How To Reduce The Risk Of Workplace Violence, that outlines the key details on how to prevent workplace violence to protect employees and avoid liability.
 
Firing employees can be rather awkward and difficult to do. In one aspect, a manager would be monitoring and managing an employee in their day-to-day role and on the other side; you have the HR department who diligently work behind the scenes to make sure that the business runs efficiently. Would that also involve the process of firing the employees too?

Jamie Costello, in his article Who Should Deal With Firing Employees - HR Or The Manager?, shares key tips to ensure the process is conducted professionally and minimize any damage that could be caused to the business or the employee.
 
There’s a growing trend in offices across North America - people are dressing more casually than ever. The days of suits, ties, blouses, and skirts seem to be behind us. Maybe your own office has even embraced this trend. Maybe it hasn’t. The question that’s probably on your mind, either way, is whether or not this is a good thing - is this a change you should fight or embrace?

Catch up with Brad Wayland’s article, Corporate Vs. Casual: Should You Do Away With Approved Office Attire?, to understand how to allow your workers more opportunities to express themselves.
 
This is not all! This month’s issue of HR Legal & Compliance Excellence is packed with top trending topics in the legal and compliance arena, and infused with information on new policies and laws to arm you and your employees to stay compliant and safe.