Bridging the Gap in Workplace Violence Prevention: Beyond Policies and Training
- Greg Faherty
- Feb 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 27
Workplace violence remains an ever-present challenge for organizations of all sizes, affecting both employers and employees. Despite the wide adoption of policies and training programs aimed at de-escalating tensions and avoiding provocative topics, a critical gap exists in how companies prepare for emergencies. This gap isn’t just about having rules on paper—it’s about actively rehearsing and responding when real threats emerge.
The Ongoing Issue
Workplace violence takes many forms, ranging from verbal abuse and bullying to physical assaults and, in the worst cases, homicide. Research continues to show that while many organizations have adopted policies and provided some level of training to help employees steer clear of confrontational situations, these measures often fall short when emergencies arise. The data indicate that not enough companies are rehearsing their emergency response plans. Without regular drills and rehearsals, even the best policies can become ineffective when faced with a real-life incident.
The Policy and Training Conundrum
Most solutions proposed so far revolve around setting clear policies and providing training on non-confrontational communication. These initiatives help reduce the frequency of everyday incidents, but they rarely cover what happens when violence escalates. When a situation goes beyond minor disagreements—when an active threat is present—relying solely on policy and standard training leaves organizations vulnerable.
Learning from Heroes: The Rick Rescorla Story
A powerful example of how proactive preparation can save lives is the story of Rick Rescorla. As the head of security at Morgan Stanley in the 1990s, he was worried about a Terrorist Attack on the World Trade Center where the firm had offices in the South Tower. His concern was well founded; terrorists detonated a truck bomb in the parking garage in 1993. Rescorla was known for his relentless, hands-on training and regular emergency drills. On September 11, 2001, a plane hit the North Tower, and announcements came on through the Port Authority PA system that everyone should remain at their desks. Rescorla ignored the announcement, grabbed his bullhorn, walkie-talkie, cell phone, and began systematically to order the roughly 2,700 Morgan Stanley employees in the South Tower to evacuate, in addition to the employees in WTC 5, numbering around 1,000. Due to his efforts, thousands of lives were saved. His example demonstrates that training isn’t just about learning policy—it’s about building muscle memory for crisis situations. Regular, rigorous rehearsals empower employees to act decisively and calmly in the face of danger.
When Policies Aren’t Enough: The Need for Trained Professionals
While strong policies and employee training are crucial, there are times when they cannot substitute for the presence of trained security professionals. No matter how comprehensive an internal plan might be, there are moments when an external, experienced team must step in to protect lives. Whether it’s during an active shooter scenario or another high-risk event, professional security personnel serve as a critical barrier between bad actors and innocent employees. They bring specialized skills in threat assessment, rapid intervention, and crisis management that go far beyond what standard training can offer.
The Faherty Group: A Model for Enhanced Workplace Safety
Recognizing these critical gaps, The Faherty Group offers solutions to bridge the divide between policy and practice. Their offerings include:
Security Assessments: Evaluating a workplace’s vulnerabilities and recommending tailored security measures.
Active Shooter Training: Providing intensive, scenario-based training equips staff with the skills to respond effectively in a crisis.
Trained Professionals on Standby: Deploying experienced security personnel who can intervene during high-risk situations, ensuring the gap between training and action is effectively closed.
Conclusion
Workplace violence is a complex issue that requires more than just well-drafted policies and occasional training sessions. It demands continuous, rigorous preparation through rehearsals and, when necessary, the intervention of trained professionals. Organizations can create safer environments and protect their most valuable asset: their people by learning from exemplars like Rick Rescorla and adopting comprehensive safety strategies—as offered by professionals like The Faherty Group.
Taking proactive steps today can mean the difference between chaos and control tomorrow. It’s time to bridge the gap in workplace violence prevention by turning plans into practiced, life-saving actions.
Some of the articles and studies that inspired me to write this post.
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