De-escalation training teaches people how to calm down and control situations that could lead to violence, conflict, or stress in a variety of personal or professional scenarios. It involves learning verbal and non-verbal skills on de-escalating conflict to help prevent or reduce the negative impact of emotionally triggered individuals. In a work environment, this training is also quite helpful in increasing productivity.
What Are The Main Benefits Of De-Escalation Training?
Some of the benefits of de-escalation training are reducing the frequency and severity of workplace violence, which can cause physical and psychological harm, absenteeism, turnover, and low morale. De-escalation training is also very useful for improving communication and relationships between staff and customers, clients, or patients, which can enhance customer satisfaction, loyalty, and trust.
It can also increase the confidence and competence of employees to handle challenging situations, which can boost their self-esteem, motivation, and performance and promote a culture of respect and empathy among staff and stakeholders. This can foster teamwork, collaboration, and innovation.
What Topics Are Covered In De-Escalation Training?
Some of the topics usually covered in de-escalation training include:
- Recognizing the early warning signs of aggression and escalation
- Understanding the causes and triggers of emotional reactions
- Using active listening and reflective techniques to show understanding and validation
- Asking open-ended questions and offering choices to empower and engage
By learning how to de-escalate situations effectively, you can protect yourself and others from harm and create a more productive and positive work atmosphere.
De-Escalation Training Improves Productivity
Although it may be hard to visualize, de-escalation and productivity are related concepts because de-escalation can help prevent or reduce the negative impacts of conflict and aggression in the workplace, resulting in a more harmonious work environment and increased productivity.
Conflict and aggression can cause stress, anxiety, fear, resentment, and low employee morale. This can lower their motivation, performance, creativity, and collaboration. When de-escalation is implemented, it can help restore a calm and respectful atmosphere where employees can focus on their tasks and goals, communicate effectively, and work as a team.
How Does De-Escalation Promote Increased Productivity?
There are several ways in which de-escalation can improve productivity. Some of them are:
- By implementing de-escalation techniques, an organization can save time and resources by resolving issues quickly and efficiently instead of letting them escalate without a resolution.
- De-escalation techniques are also useful for increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty by addressing their concerns and needs in a professional and empathetic manner that makes them feel included and respected.
- When de-escalation techniques are implemented effectively, they can enhance the reputation and image of an organization by demonstrating its commitment to safety, quality, and respect for those who work within the organization and those who deal with it from the outside.
- De-escalation training can also reduce the risk of having to take legal or disciplinary actions by having clients and employees comply with the policies and regulations of the organization and the law.
Ultimately, de-escalation is not only a skill for customer service or law enforcement professionals but anyone who works in a high-stress or high-risk environment, or wants to improve their interpersonal skills and conflict resolution abilities. By learning how to de-escalate situations effectively, you can not only protect yourself and others from harm but also create a more productive and positive work atmosphere that will increase productivity as a positive side effect.
Does De-Escalation Training Eliminate Violent Incidents In The Workplace?
Evidence suggests that violence in the workplace is a major issue, with estimates pointing to a staggering 94% of employees experiencing bullying at work every year. And even though those in charge of hiring have a duty of care to prevent and minimize workplace violence, aiming for a complete eradication of aggressive behavior may be unrealistic since it is not possible to ascertain exactly how violent a new hire may turn out to be.
Another study has shed light on the fact that de-escalation training may not reduce the number of aggressive incidents in the workplace. Even workplaces that have reported a decrease in violent acts also admit that this status was not sustained throughout a given study period. Evidence suggests there may be a need for periodic interventions to maintain the reduced level of violence.
However, there are plenty of studies that support the benefits offered by de-escalation training in reducing violent incidents in work environments, with many confirming the empowering feeling that those who receive the training experience.
How Can The Effect Of De-Escalation Techniques Be Measured?
Depending on your goals, you can measure the success of de-escalation training by using some standard methods. You can conduct randomized controlled trials to compare the outcomes in a group that has had the training with one that has not. If no two groups are available, you can measure the outcome of the group before and after receiving the training.
In conclusion, providing your staff with useful tools to handle violent incidents at work potentially limits their effect and minimizes the negative impact they may have on those that are affected by these situations. When there is a more peaceful environment at work, there tends to be less absenteeism, more productivity, and improved staff morale.