#62: Dealing with Violence and Aggression in the Workplace
Podcast Show Notes – S2 Aged Care Ep 4
PODCAST DETAILS
- 24 September 2024
- So You Work in Aged Care
- Workplace violence and aggression - Episode 4 of 6
OVERVIEW
In episode 4 of our 6-part series for the So You Work in Aged Care podcast, we continue to explore the key issues and trends that are impacting the aged care workforce in Australia today.
Unfortunately, workplace violence and aggression is something that many who work in our sector are exposed to. It is not always physical, it can be expressed in many different ways, and can come from a wide range of sources. In this episode we look to define violence and aggression in the workplace, discuss how to escalate concerns and consider how we can maintain professional boundaries when somebody oversteps the mark.
Plus, in our ‘what’s trending’ section, we’ll share some exciting findings from a trial in Queensland involving aged care ambassadors, that saw workplace violence incidents reduced to zero.
KEY TOPICS
Defining workplace violence and aggression [1:37]
The ramifications of workplace violence can have a lingering effect, whether the aggression is physical or psychological, whether it is in person or in writing, or whether it occurred repeatedly or was a one off.
Broadly speaking, any behaviour that creates a risk to health and safety can be defined as violence or aggression. In an aged care setting, the source can be a client, colleague, management, supplier, volunteer or family member, and the impact of the behaviour can be experienced differently by different people, which can make it hard to recognise and acknowledge.
Reflecting on personal experiences [4:27]
During my own career, I experienced aggression when working in home care from a client with an acquired brain injury. Looking back, I can see ways this could have been handled differently to minimise the risk.
Take a moment to pause and reflect now on circumstances that have made you feel uncomfortable. How did you feel? What did you do?
Escalating concerns [6:36]
So where can we turn if we experience aggressive behaviour? These incidents are sometimes not reported, especially when the aggression comes from someone in power. In this case, finding an independent party, a trusted person to report to is important. This may not be your direct manager, it could be someone from another department.
A formal report might not always be required. Alerting others in your team to the triggers that can result in aggression can help others avoid the situation.
Maintaining professional boundaries [9:05]
In situations of aggression or violence, maintaining professional boundaries is paramount. Stay calm, don’t answer anger with anger. Try not to take it personally, as often the issue is something underlying.
Finding a professional support network you can lean on is important. This can give you the space to reflect, or vent. Their advice and understanding can give you the tools and insights needed to maintain professional boundaries.
What is trending? [17:31]
A workplace trail conducted by WorkSafe Queensland recently, involving the placement of aged care ambassadors has shown a significant reduction in workplace violence.
The trial involved four staff members taking on a new role as a resident experience ambassador, whose job was to identify resident triggers and unidentified needs, and apply appropriate interventions. They were upskilled and equipped to deescalate behaviours before they got worse and potentially caused injury.
They were dressed in plain clothes, not in uniform, which helped to differentiate them from clinical staff. The trial found that while the resident experience ambassadors were rostered on, the facility reported zero aggression. This was likely due to the challenging behaviours being managed by the ambassadors, which allowed more time for the other staff to deliver care. A relatively simple strategy which has shown some really positive results.
Ambassadors in Aged Care may reduce incidences of violence and aggression against workers
CONNECT
COMING SOON
Resilient Worker – new workshop coming soon
Our new workshop will cover the burning issues affecting aged care workers today. Head to our website to find out more – Resilient Worker
