Introduction
Workplace violence is not just about verbal abuse and physical assaults; it has become normalized, and in extreme cases, can lead to the death of victims. The case of an HEB supermarket in Torreón, Coahuila, exemplifies the ongoing challenges organizations face in creating violence-free work environments.
The Tragic Case of HEB Torreón
Carlos Gurrola, known as Papayita, tragically lost his life after consuming a contaminated beverage, allegedly part of a “joke” by his coworkers. This incident underscores the urgent need for organizations to address workplace violence effectively.
Expert Insights
Yunue Cárdenas, CEO and founder of Menthalising, emphasizes the severity of workplace violence and its normalization in certain organizations. She highlights the importance of breaking cycles of violence across generations and implementing protective measures to prevent reoffending.
Statistics on Workplace Violence
According to the Riesgos psicosociales en empresas mexicanas study by Mercer Marsh Beneficios, 10% of individuals experience high to very high levels of workplace violence. This psychosocial risk factor is more prevalent among baby boomer workers.
Mexican Norms and Violence
The NOM-035 of Mexico is one of the few national standards that recognize workplace violence as a psychosocial risk. It specifically addresses denigrating treatment, which often occurs due to less structure and the need for evaluation to identify violent behaviors.
Consequences of Organizational Inaction
Experts agree that the HEB Torreón case demonstrates how organizational inaction regarding workplace violence can lead to fatal consequences for victims. There are even precedents of suicide among individuals who experienced mobbing.
The Importance of Open Dialogue
Specialists stress the need for companies to create safe spaces for discussing workplace violence, as there remains resistance to these conversations due to the misconception that “ignoring the issue makes it disappear.”
Overcoming Taboo and Fear
Ivonne Borden explains that addressing workplace violence openly is crucial for fostering prevention, denouncement, and a culture of speaking up within the workplace. Yunue Cárdenas adds that organizational complicity arises when companies fail to address such issues.
Effective Reporting Channels
Alongside open dialogue, experts emphasize the necessity of effective reporting channels for addressing employee concerns. The HEB Torreón case serves as a reminder that Mexico still has work to do in establishing favorable working environments.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is workplace violence? Workplace violence encompasses verbal, physical, and psychological abuse, as well as denigrating treatment, which can lead to severe consequences, including death.
- Why is the HEB Torreón case significant? This case highlights the dire need for organizations to address workplace violence proactively, as inaction can have fatal consequences.
- What are psychosocial risks in the workplace? Psychosocial risks refer to factors that negatively impact employees’ mental and emotional well-being, such as workplace violence, bullying, and harassment.
- How can organizations prevent workplace violence? Organizations should create safe spaces for open dialogue, implement effective reporting channels, and establish protective measures to prevent reoffending.
- What is the role of national standards in addressing workplace violence? National standards, like Mexico’s NOM-035, can help organizations recognize and address workplace violence as a psychosocial risk.
