January 27, 2026 | Mark Hudson

Forbes – In a new Forbes byline, Elissa Rossi, Vice President of Compliance Services at Traliant, highlights how workplace violence has become an increasingly urgent workplace reality as employee expectations shift alongside rising incidents.  

“Employees are paying closer attention to how their employers address safety concerns, and they expect meaningful action, not reactive measures after something goes wrong,” says Rossi.  

Her perspective reflects a broader trend: workplace safety is now inseparable from trust, engagement and organizational credibility. She points out that workplace violence extends far beyond extreme physical incidents. Threats, intimidation, harassment and other disruptive behaviors can escalate quickly if left unaddressed.  

Rossi adds, “Workplace violence should be understood as a spectrum of behaviors, many of which show warning signs long before they become emergencies. Recognizing and responding to those early indicators is critical to prevention.” 

Policies alone aren’t enough. They must be supported by awareness, consistent communication and training that empowers people to speak up. “When employees understand what to report, how to report it, and trust that concerns will be taken seriously, organizations are far better positioned to intervene early,” says Rossi.  

Rossi frames workplace violence prevention as a leadership responsibility, not just a compliance exercise. And with regulatory scrutiny increasing and employees demanding safer environments, her message is clear: employers who act now will be better equipped to protect their people and their organizations in the long term. 

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