Insults, threats or even physical attacks: Many employees have to act as “lightning rods” for dissatisfied people. Sectors with a staff shortage are particularly affected.
According to a survey, a large proportion of people in Germany have experienced violence against employees. 42 percent of those surveyed reported experiencing violence against employees in the public service or the privatized sector, according to the survey commissioned by the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB). This includes insults, threats or physical attacks.
Employees in the public service and privatized sector experience disrespectful behavior more often (64 percent) than employees in other areas. In this professional group, a quarter (24 percent) report physical attacks, a third (34 percent) report threats, and a majority (61 percent) report insults.
“Lightning rod for personal dissatisfaction”
According to the survey, dissatisfaction is particularly high in those areas that are acutely affected by a lack of personnel, a lack of investment and complicated administrative structures. These include, for example, education and local and long-distance public transport.
“Employees in public areas are increasingly lightning rods for the personal dissatisfaction of citizens in our country,” said DGB deputy chairwoman Elke Hannack. “The causes are obvious: acute staff shortages, dilapidated infrastructure and complicated administrative processes – public services have been cut short for decades and as a result the state regularly has difficulties in fulfilling its tasks.”
A new offer of help is being launched together with the victim support organization “Weisser Ring”. Employees who have experienced violence can now get professional help free of charge and anonymously by calling the telephone hotline 0800 116 0060.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
