Unfortunately, workplace violence is a recurring theme in American business. Despite the focus by the news media on certain types of workplace violence, violence is NOT limited to larger businesses. Anywhere there are people working together, there is a potential for conflict that can lead, in extreme cases, to violence. Obviously, as an employer, you do your best to hire people who you think will work out well. And, if you exercise some care in observing your employees and dealing with conflicts before they escalate, you further reduce your risk of a problem. Everyone has a life outside of work, and the pressures there can be brought back into the workplace.