What should you do to help defuse a workplace violence incident?

Attempting to verbally defuse a workplace violence incident is an effective strategy because it may help to calm the individuals involved and address their emotions in a non-confrontational manner. Verbal de-escalation techniques often involve using a calm tone, showing empathy, and actively listening to the concerns of the parties involved. This approach allows for open communication, which can lead to a better understanding of the underlying issues and may prevent the situation from escalating further.

In contrast, engaging both parties in a discussion could intensify the conflict if they are not yet calm, while physically separating the individuals might be appropriate in some scenarios, but it does not actively resolve the issues at hand. Providing resources, while valuable for longer-term support, does not address the immediate crisis effectively. Therefore, verbal de-escalation directly addresses the urgent need to reduce tension and create a more peaceful environment.