Escalating aggression towards public officials has been noted
In recent times, there has been growing concern over the prevalence of workplace violence in Germany's public service, with Baden-Württemberg being a region of particular focus. The DGB Baden-Württemberg, a prominent trade union, has criticized the lack of comprehensive data on the issue and called for the state government to collect data more comprehensively.
The union has condemned violence against employees in the public service, with sectors such as transport, justice, and public order being particularly affected. A survey indicates that 70% of employees in these sectors have reported experiencing violent incidents.
The issue of workplace violence is seen as a significant concern, with security being considered a central prerequisite for good work and retaining and attracting personnel. To address this, the DGB Baden-Württemberg proposes the creation of a central prevention database, department-specific crisis and emergency plans, and a central and statewide point of contact for violence prevention in the public service.
A mandatory reporting and information system is also called for by Daria Abramov, a union representative, to improve prevention. Improved monitoring would also be beneficial in local authorities, according to Abramov.
The Baden-Württemberg state government has responded by developing a new state concept for better protection of employees in the public service from workplace violence. The concept includes various measures such as risk assessments, training, legal enforcement, and health coordination.
While specific data for Baden-Württemberg public service workplaces is limited, a study from a related German state (Hesse) on violence against employees in penal institutions suggests that exposure to violence can be significant in public service sectors dealing with high-risk populations. This may imply that sectors in Baden-Württemberg with similar profiles might face comparable challenges.
The effects of workplace violence are widely recognized, with negative security perceptions among staff and potential psychological and physical health issues being common consequences. Although the direct effects in Baden-Württemberg are not specified, similar consequences likely apply across regions and sectors.
In the transport sector, 82% of employees with customer contact at Deutsche Bahn have experienced verbal or physical attacks in their professional lives. Approximately 70% of those experiencing violence do not report the incidents.
Martin Gross, former regional chairman of the Verdi trade union in Baden-Württemberg, has emphasized the need for clear legal framework conditions, consistent prosecution, investments in prevention, and training to address workplace violence.
A study by the Federal Ministry of the Interior found that 23 percent of employees stated they had had violent experiences, with 12 percent experiencing multiple incidents within a year. Daria Abramov, deputy youth chairperson of the German Civil Servants' Association (DBB), stated that every fourth person in the public service has experienced workplace violence.
Maren Diebel-Ebers, deputy DGB chairperson, stated that employees are increasingly exposed to harassment in public transport, care, authorities, and schools.
In conclusion, while comprehensive empirical data for Baden-Württemberg's public service sector on workplace violence are currently lacking, research in comparable German contexts shows varied prevalence depending on job roles and institutional settings, recognized negative effects on personnel, and some emerging preventive efforts. Further localized studies or official reports would be needed for more precise information on Baden-Württemberg.
- The DGB Baden-Württemberg has proposed creating a central prevention database for workplace violence, believing that comprehensive data collection is crucial for addressing this issue in the public service sector.
- In the debate on workplace violence, mental health has emerged as an important concern, as numerous studies indicate that exposure to violence can lead to psychological and physical health issues for employees.
- The issue of workplace violence in the general news extends beyond crime and justice, as it intersects with health and wellness, management, and particularly workplace-wellness, given its impact on employee retention and overall work environment.
