Aggressive behaviours in the workplace? But we don’t have the budget!?!

Introduction: Why Prevention is Better Than Compensation

Aggressive behaviours in the workplace are not just an occupational hazard, they are a costly, avoidable, and often underestimated risk. In Australia, approximately 12% of workers’ compensation claims result from work-related violence or aggression.

The financial cost is staggering. The average workers’ compensation claim for work-related violence costs around $40,000. A serious claim can easily exceed $400,000. But beyond the dollars, the toll on staff wellbeing, team cohesion, and organisational reputation can be immeasurable.

Here’s the irony: many organisations that lack preventive safety strategies still budget annually for the inevitable claims and costs caused by workplace aggression. If those same funds were redirected into prevention, the benefits would be profound, fewer incidents, healthier workplaces, and a safer, more supported workforce.

At Holland Thomas, we help organisations make the shift from reactive to proactive, building safer workplaces and stronger teams through proven prevention strategies.

The True Cost of Aggressive Behaviours in the Workplace

When an incident occurs, the immediate impact is obvious, an injured staff member, disrupted operations, and emotional distress for those involved. But the ripple effects extend much further.

1. Financial Costs

Workers’ compensation claims averaging $40,000 for standard claims.
Serious claims often exceeding $400,000.
Recruitment and onboarding of replacement staff.
Overtime and backfilling for absent workers.
Legal costs and regulatory penalties.

2. Human Costs

Reduced staff morale and confidence.
Increased absenteeism and presenteeism.
Burnout and stress.
Breakdown in trust between staff and leadership.
Higher staff turnover rates.

3. Organisational Costs

Damaged reputation as an employer of choice.
Disruption to client service delivery.
Lost organisational knowledge due to turnover.
Time spent managing investigations and disputes.

Holland Thomas Insight: Prevention costs significantly less than the cumulative impact of even a single serious incident. By investing in training, policy development, and early intervention strategies, organisations protect both their people and their budgets.

Why Organisations Delay Action, and Why It’s Risky

Despite understanding the risks, some organisations delay implementing preventative strategies because of perceived budget constraints. The reasoning often sounds like:

“We’ll address it when we have more funding.”

However, waiting increases the likelihood of an incident occurring, and when it does, the financial and reputational costs can be far greater than the investment needed for prevention.

Some employers even accept a cycle of paying for incidents year after year without realising that they could break the pattern.

The Key Question: If you’re prepared to budget for claims, why not invest that money in avoiding the incidents altogether?

The Business Case for Prevention

Making a compelling business case for workplace safety requires more than goodwill. It needs data, evidence, and a clear link between investment and benefits.

A strong workplace safety business case should include:

Problem Definition. Clear identification of aggressive behaviour risks.
Financial Impact Analysis. Current costs versus projected savings with prevention.
Risk Assessment. Mapping likelihood and consequence of incidents.
Solution Options. Comparing training, policy changes, and environmental adjustments.
Measurable Outcomes. Reduced incidents, improved staff confidence, lower turnover.
Implementation Plan. Clear timelines and responsibilities.
Return on Investment (ROI). Evidence from similar organisations or similar historical initiatives.

What Prevention Looks Like in Practice

Prevention is more than a safety talk at induction. It’s a holistic, integrated strategy that includes:

1. Staff Training

Skills in managing occupational violence and aggression (OVA), conflict resolution, and safe workplace discussions.

2. Risk Management Systems

Policies, procedures, and reporting mechanisms that identify, manage, and review safety risks.

3. Early Intervention

Recognising warning signs and acting before a situation escalates.

4. Environmental Design

Adjustments to workplace layout, security measures, and client interaction points.

5. Cultural Change

Creating a workplace culture where staff feel supported, empowered, and confident in managing safety risks.

Holland Thomas Tip: Prevention strategies don’t have to be expensive. Many interventions are cost-effective and scalable to your organisation’s size and risk profile.

How Holland Thomas Can Help

We partner with organisations to design prevention strategies that are sustainable, measurable, and effective. Our services include:

Tailored OVA Management Training. Practical, scenario-based learning.
Incident Reporting Audits. Ensuring your data is accurate and comprehensive.
Business Case Support. Templates to secure leadership buy-in.
Measurable Outcomes Tracking. Before and after comparisons to demonstrate ROI.
Risk Management Funding Guidance. Helping you explore funding support through workers’ compensation insurers.

Funding Options: Risk Management Funding (RMF)

If budget is the barrier, Risk Management Funding (RMF) may be the solution. Many workers’ compensation insurers provide RMF grants to help employers address workplace safety risks before incidents occur.

Holland Thomas can assist you in preparing funding applications and building a costed plan to demonstrate how RMF will be used effectively.

The Employer of Choice Advantage

Organisations that invest in staff safety are more likely to:

Attract high-quality candidates.
Retain skilled employees.
Build a reputation as a supportive and responsible employer.
Improve productivity through reduced absenteeism and presenteeism.

The Bottom Line

A safe workplace is not a luxury, it’s a business imperative. Aggressive behaviours can and should be managed proactively, not reactively.

By shifting resources from paying for harm to preventing harm, organisations protect their staff, strengthen their reputation, and reduce long-term costs.

At Holland Thomas, our mission is clear: Helping you safely manage aggressive behaviours. Whether through training, risk assessments, or business case development, we’re here to help you build a safer, more resilient workplace.

Your Next Step

Don’t wait for the next incident to prove the importance of prevention. Contact Holland Thomas today to discuss your workplace safety needs and access our Business Case Analysis Tool: a free resource to help you secure the funding and approval you need for proactive safety solutions.

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Travis Holland
Managing Director
Holland Thomas

Should you wish to discuss strategies to improve your staff’s safety in their work environment, please feel welcome to contact Holland Thomas.

Passionate about creating safer workplaces our goal is to enhance wellbeing for all concerned, whilst also delivering improved operational and financial performance.

This blog draws on our years of experience delivering our M.A.B.™ Staff Safety Training (Contextualised Prevention and Management of Aggressive Behaviours) across Australia, and the development of My Safety Buddy, our smartphone app and web portal based lone worker safety system.