Hello All, Im having the hardest time trying to find this article, please help.?

Question

Again, this is the article I'm looking for: Karpeles, M. (2004, October 4). Domestic violence should be a workplace concern, too. Crain’s Chicago Business, 27(40).
Thank you :-)

Answer 1

Domestic violence should be workplace concern, too

By Michael D. Karpeles
Oct. 04, 2004
Managers who think domestic violence is none of the company's business need a wake-up call.

Last year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported victims of domestic violence cumulatively lose nearly 8 million days of work annually. The group Work and Family Connection estimates medical expenses from domestic violence cost American businesses at least $3 billion to $5 billion per year.

Besides the impact on a company's bottom line from absenteeism, lost productivity, health costs and increased turnover, there is also the significant risk that a violent incident could occur in the workplace.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, 88 fatal incidents of workplace violence have occurred, resulting in 144 deaths and 98 people wounded. Domestic violence accounted for 21% percent of the fatalities, according to tracking by Critical Incident Associates, a California-based consulting firm that helps establish workplace violence prevention policies.

A growing number of companies recognize the effect of domestic violence and are taking an increasingly proactive stance.

In a 2002 survey of 100 major corporations by Liz Claiborne Inc., 91% of senior executives said they believe domestic violence affects both the private and working lives of their employees. Nearly 80% reported that their companies offer domestic violence counseling or assistance, up from 75% in 1994.

It is important to note that respondents were large companies with deep pockets and extensive resources. While no data are available for small to mid-sized companies, it is likely that smaller employers have not made domestic violence issues a top priority.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an ideal time for small and mid-sized businesses to re-examine the matter. They should follow the lead of their larger counterparts that have shifted from a "domestic violence is none of our business" attitude to believing "it is our business, and we plan to do something about it."

The main deterrent to such proclamations may be concern about the legal implications of getting too involved, but not getting involved may have its own serious risks. Employers are responsible for ensuring the safety and general well-being of workers on the job. Companies that have failed to do so — hiring someone with a violent or criminal history, or allowing an enraged spouse to enter the workplace — have been held liable, with monetary damages into the millions.

The financial damage pales in comparison to the harm to the corporate psyche, which can take years to repair.

All employers, from five-person offices to the largest corporations, should have some type of domestic violence intervention policy. The cost and scope depends on the size of the company, but at the very least, managers should seek training to recognize the signs of domestic abuse and/or violence.

Companies must also be open with employees and let them know that their safety is a top priority. This cannot be accomplished simply with a poster and a few paragraphs added to the employee handbook. It must be managed by supervisors in small-group settings.

The main obstacle to addressing the threat of domestic violence is the reluctance of victims to talk about it. It is vital that companies assure workers that their privacy is of the utmost importance.

Michael D. Karpeles is a principal and head of the labor and employment group with Chicago law firm Goldberg Kohn Bell Black Rosenbloom & Moritz Ltd.