Better Safe than Sorry Claude Oppenheim, Ph.D., President Recently in my city, a school principal was assaulted by an angry parent. The incident struck a nerve, and letters to the editor and editorials picked up on the need for teachers and other employees to be protected from the incivilities of the public. Many teachers, certainly, perceive that they are expected by administrators and boards to put up with a fair amount of abuse from parents. When employees feel this way, morale, of course, takes a significant beating.
Hospitals and other health care facilities in my area prominently display posters announcing that abuse of staff will not be tolerated. That example should be followed by other organizations. While most organizations today have abuse policies that protect employees from harassment and other forms of abuse by coworkers and supervisors, protection from “clients” is not as often addressed.
Does your organization ensure that its employees feel safe from customer abuse? What policies are in place? Is your organization fulfilling its ethical and legal responsibilities to provide a safe work environment? Are there appropriate policies in place, and if so, are they enforced? If not, this is an area that is ignored at one’s peril. Oppenheim Education and Management Consulting offers consulting and training on governance, leadership, administration, and program and performance evaluation. |