Disruptive Behavior In The Workplace: identified as unsafe for patient safety

The Dupont Training site discusses disruptive behaviors as being obvious and also subtle.   But none-the-less, they state the necessity to deal with them to protect patient safety and to promote the success of team work.   Some of the obvious behaviors include verbal slurs, body language and misuse of property.

Subtle behaviors included "withholding information, purposely delaying a response to a co-worker's call or request, refusing to help someone or belittling someone who asks for help, not applying the same performance standards to all co-workers, setting someone up to fail, giving someone the silent treatment".

Dupont notes strategies for developing a  cohesive team: 

• Greet co-workers.  By acknowledging their presence, you help people feel like a part of the team.

• Learn your co-workers' names and use them, including temporary workers.

• Treat everyone with respect – in person and in phone interactions.

• Help others to learn.  Be patient when co-workers ask questions.

• When you think it's necessary to comment on a co-worker's actions, approach them in private, focus on the behavior, not the person, and make sure your comments are constructive.

• Try to find an ally.  Having even one person to bond with can lower your stress.

*Some examples of disruptive behavior:

 

Repetitive verbal abuse, including sarcasm or poor relationship with customers, co-workers, supervisors, or others;

Very controlling;

Blaming others for problems in life or work; being suspicious, holding grudge;

Persistent complaining;

Challenging or resisting authority;

Becoming unusually upset over recent event(s) (work or personal crisis;

Withdrawing from normal activities, family, friends, and co-workers;  and 

Making a major change in lifestyle, demeanor, or appearance.

*Reference:  http://www.stonybrook.edu/hr/policy/disruptive-behavior-procedure.shtml