What causes workplace violence according to investigations?

Workplace violence is significantly influenced by factors such as substance abuse and interpersonal conflicts. These elements can create a volatile environment where stress and tension escalate, potentially leading to aggressive behavior. For instance, an individual struggling with substance abuse may become more irritable or unmanageable, which can disrupt workplace harmony and heighten the likelihood of altercations. Moreover, interpersonal conflicts among employees—stemming from personality clashes, competition, or lack of communication—can result in intense disagreements that may escalate into verbal or physical confrontations.

In contrast, stress from promotions can create pressure but it does not inherently lead to violence. Similarly, while increased workload and salary negotiations can contribute to employee dissatisfaction, they do not directly correlate with violent behavior in the same way that substance abuse and interpersonal conflicts do. High employee morale typically promotes a positive and collaborative environment, effectively mitigating the factors that contribute to workplace violence. Thus, the impact of substance abuse and interpersonal conflicts is substantially linked to the occurrence of violence in the workplace.