One in 10 workers suffers workplace violence

One out of every 10 office workers has been assaulted at work, according to a recent survey.

SaramIn, an online recruiting agency, asked 1,951 members who are office workers and found 12.2 percent had been assaulted in their office. Immediate bosses were the largest portion of assailants at 66 percent, followed by CEOs and other executives (20.2 percent), seniors (16.8 percent) and those of equal seniority (7.1 percent). Subordinates made up 5.5 percent.

Of those having suffered assaults, 27.7 percent were kicked on their legs, followed by 27.3 percent saying they had been beaten on their heads with document files. Other commonly committed violence included punching, smacking and being collared.

The office was the most frequent place where violence occurred, with dining tables, rooftops and conference rooms following behind.

Most of the victims thought the violence had nothing to do with work. They said they had been assaulted mainly by bosses venting their stress. Some 31.1 percent thought there was no particular reason and 29.8 percent thought the assailants had some personal motivation. Only 13.4 percent thought they were beaten because they had not satisfactorily completed their work.

Most people chose to bear it while only 25.6 percent said they expressed discomfort, suggesting that many workers are exposed to violence but are passive when it occurs.

“It is a classic case of workplace violence. The hierarchical structure does not allow one to talk back or resist the superior,” said an office worker in his 30s, who wished to be identified by his family name Kang. He said he had been verbally insulted several times by his bosses and other superiors.

“But I think the culture is changing. More people are trying to solve the matter through conversation,” he added.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)