There’s been a lot written about the stress caused by COVID-19 and while hope is on the horizon as the vaccine is rolled-out, there’s been residual damage. For some people, the uncertainties and pressures of last year have led to aggressive behaviour in the workplace.
This is never acceptable so here are 5 tips to help you manage angry staff.
- Create a hostility log
If you are witnessing aggressive behaviour, don’t allow the outburst to continue. You need to take immediate action to stop it. But after the event, note the following:
- The reasons or triggers for the angry behaviour
- If the anger was directed at a particular person within the team (this could be a sign of bullying behaviour)
- The date of the angry outburst
By creating a hostility log, you’ll be able to quantify the frequency of the aggressive behaviour. You’ll also be in a position to provide specific feedback for coaching purposes or, if necessary, as grounds for taking disciplinary action.
- Build trust and provide a different perspective
Having respectful and open relationships with staff will help you uncover the triggers that lead to angry outbursts. Showing empathy is a great tool here. Demonstrate you understand your staff member’s frustration while giving advice on more appropriate ways to behave. By taking this action, you may be able to prevent future aggressive behaviour.
- Timeout to relax and regroup
Some positions or workplace environments are more stressful than others. Try cultivating an environment where it’s OK to take short breaks when things get too much. This could alleviate frustrations which lead to aggressive behaviour.
Providing quiet spaces and encouraging regular exercise at lunchtime can also help staff to manage their stress and therefore prevent inappropriate behaviours.
- Assertive vs aggressive
When coaching a staff member on their aggressive behaviour, take time to explain the difference between assertiveness and aggression because they are very different.
Being assertive means you can express opinions and expectations in a respectful and calm manner. Whereas aggressive behaviour is more about winning an argument than expressing an opinion and is often accompanied by shouting, verbal abuse or intimidating actions.
- Never hold a grudge
In a workplace, everyone needs to work together for the good of customers and the business as a whole. So if staff are holding grudges or harbouring past hurts, you will have a dysfunctional workplace. In this situation, you may need to consider obtaining expert help to either counsel staff or provide advice on your options as an employer.
The nuances of managing staff
Your staff are your greatest business assets. However, staff problems and inappropriate interactions with each other can become your greatest business problem.
For expert advice and guidance on managing those tricky staff issues, talk to the team at End2End Business Solutions – your outsourced HR department. For help, call 02 8977 4002