While almost everyone recognizes the need for general liability insurance, convincing clients that they need abusive acts liability can be a harder sell. Ultimately, workplace hostility is usually a subtle phenomenon that those in managerial positions can be unaware of. Here are some tips for recognizing workplace abuse and understanding how insurance protects against it.
Explaining Abusive Acts Liability
Abusive acts liability coverage is distinct from general liability insurance. It is an additional layer of coverage that protects from claims that someone abused an employee while on the job. Specifically, it protects against lawsuits and damages when any of the following occur because of harassment or bullying:
- Illness or physical injury
- Fear or anguish
- Mental injury
- Death
While victims often have difficulty proving that abusive acts occurred, simply going to court to defend themselves can cost more than many clients can afford. Furthermore, judges are likely to rule in a plaintiff’s favor if the abuse crosses the line into categories of sexual harassment or racial discrimination.
Recognizing Abuse Gaslighting
The term gaslight comes from a 1944 movie of the same name. In this classic film, an abusive husband seeks to gain his wife’s fortune by making her think she is going insane. He causes her to doubt herself by hiding objects around the house and then accusing her of stealing them. He also convinces her she is too unstable mentally to go out in public.
Even without murderous intent, abusive employees can similarly manipulate their coworkers. For example, by continually changing expectations, managers can convince subordinates that they cannot perform their jobs correctly. They can also blame coworkers for mistakes they made themselves, making such good arguments that the victims believe them.
Creating a Hostile Work Environment
When gaslighting, an abuser targets an individual. A different technique that is more far-reaching is that of creating a hostile work environment. Abusers might accomplish this by using foul language, displaying offensive symbols, or telling off-color jokes. They might make coworkers self-conscious by whispering behind their backs or laughing when entering a room.
Because bullies usually act differently when their boss is around, managers can spot abuse by noticing the following behaviors in victimized employees:
- Becoming more withdrawn
- Apologizing for mistakes they did not make
- Taking more sick days than usual
- Avoiding interactions with other employees
- Actively seeking another job
Recognizing Other Actions Covered by Abusive Acts Liability
The range of actions that qualify as abusive acts are extensive. Here are some of the most common ones to become aware of:
- Micromanaging employee behavior
- Making sarcastic or insulting comments
- Issuing poor performance evaluations but refusing to discuss expectations
- Pretending not to hear someone when they talk
- Making workers feel guilty for taking breaks or days off
According to the Workplace Bullying Institute, 48.6 million Americans report being victims of abuse in the workplace. When a phenomenon is this common, employers should be aware of it. They also need to protect themselves from its repercussions with abusive acts liability coverage.
About World Wide Specialty Programs
For the last 50 years, World Wide Specialty Programs has dedicated itself to providing the optimal products and solutions for the staffing industry. As the only insurance firm to be an ASA commercial liability partner, we are committed to that partnership and committed to using our knowledge of the industry to provide staffing firms with the best possible coverage. For more information about Staffing Professional Liability Insurance or any other coverage, we have available to protect your staffing business, give us a call at (877) 256-0468 to speak with one of our representatives.