1. HORIZONTAL VIOLENCE in the Workplace BY Mary Jo Whitacre RN MSN

2. OBJECTIVES Define horizontal violence. List forms of horizontal violence Identify the behaviors that are manifestations of horizontal violence Identify the effects of horizontal violence on workers Explain strategies for decreasing negative behaviors related to acts of horizontal violence

3. HORIZONTAL VIOLENCE DEFINED “Horizontal violence is a harmful behavior, via attitudes, words or other behaviors that are directed to us by another colleague” (Funk, C., 2002) Conscious or unconscious Verbal or non verbal Intentional or non-intentional.

4. FORMS OF HORIZONTAL VIOLENCE Bullying-misuse of power or position that undermines a person’s ability or leaves them feeling hurt, frightened, angry, or powerless Harassment- any conduct based on age, disability, race, religion, sex, language, color, or other status that is unreciprocated or unwanted and effects the dignity of a person Verbal abuse-can be blatant or subtle and consists of communication through words, tone, or manner that intimidates, threatens, accuses, or disrespects another person

5. NEGATIVE BEHAVIORS THAT ARE ACTS OF HV Backstabbing Gossiping/spreading rumors Belittling gestures: rolling the eyes, folding the arms, staring straight ahead not looking at the person Criticism, fault-finding, insults Ignoring, isolating, giving the silent treatment Making excessive demands

6. NEGATIVE BEHAVIORS Inequitable assignments Inflammatory angry outbursts, impatience Insults, ridicule, sarcasm Intimidation, threats Withholding information Blaming

7. EFFECTS OF HORIZONTAL VIOLENCE Sleep disorders Low self-esteem Low morale Depression Absence from work Leaving the workplace Feelings of helplessness or powerlessness

8. EFFECTS OF HV Mistrust Anger Fear Lawsuits Physical disorders related to stress Social disorders-drug abuse, suicide, family problems Burnout Post traumatic stress disorders Institutional costs- including decreased productivity, errors, training

9. WARNING SIGNS Decrease or inconsistency in work performance Deterioration in personal appearance Argumentative or uncooperative behavior Difficulty accepting authority or feedback Personality changes or withdrawal Increased absenteeism

10. STRATEGIES FOR DECREASING HV Socialize with new employees Be aware of nonverbal communication Look for warning signs of change in employee performance, attitudes Role model positive behaviors Resist the temptation to take part in gossip as the subject will lose respect for you and your relationship may suffer permanent damage

11. STRATEGIES If conflict arises, speak directly to the individual: actively engage in conflict resolution Hold self and others accountable for unacceptable behavior Seek to clarify situations and validate perceptions Trust and respect the experience of employees

12. STRATEGIES Communicate respectfully, honestly, and openly Keep confidences Be willing to help when asked Establish policies that focus on HV with the goal of zero tolerance Peer mediation Morale team Recognition

13. BENEFITS OF POSITIVE BEHAVIORS Retention and recruitment A work environment where there is trust, collaboration, cohesiveness and respect Promotion of physiological and psychological health of staff Employee satisfaction Customer satisfaction

15. “HAPPINESS IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF CONFLICT BUT THE ABILITY TO COPE WITH IT.”

16. What will you start doing differently tomorrow based on what you’ve learned today?