WASHINGTON - Emotional harassment, physical aggression, vandalism, theft and workplace homicide can cost companies approximately $35.4 billion each year. According to Vicki Sanderford-O'Connor, a former correctional officer and parole agent of the California Department of Corrections, it is vital that businesses re-examine the perception of crime and punishment to get to the root cause of these aggressive acts.

Sanderford-O'Connor recommends that employers consider four very important points in reducing workplace violence:

1) Embrace a new way of managing conflicts and disciplining employees.

2) Create an environment for honest communication.

3) Focus both on both the employee needs and the needs of the corporation.

4) Hire managers who lead by example.

By implementing these four standards, Sanderford-O'Connor says that employers will see a decrease in the amount of funds spent dealing with workplace aggression. For more information, visit Clariquest.com.