What to Do When Someone Threatens You at Work: Key Steps and Advice

Workplace threats can be alarming, but it's important to take these situations seriously and respond appropriately. Whether dealing with a co-worker, a customer, or a colleague, the safety of employees and the general work environment are paramount. Here are the steps you should take if someone threatens to harm you at work.

Why Say Anything at All?

It's natural to want to laugh off empty threats or dismiss them as the actions of an idiot. However, treating such threats lightly can be dangerous. If someone is serious enough to follow through with action, it's crucial to act quickly to ensure your safety and that of others in the workplace.

Steps to Take When Facing a Threat

1. Report to Your Supervisor:

Tell your supervisor about the threat as soon as possible. This puts the responsibility of handling the situation in the hands of someone trained to manage such incidents. Be specific about the threatening behavior and provide any relevant details or evidence, such as the extent of the threat or any communication that was exchanged.

2. If the Supervisor Does Not Act:

Tell your supervisor that you will escalate the matter to law enforcement if the threat is not addressed. Stay calm but firm to ensure the message is understood.

3. Call the Police:

Immediately contact local law enforcement if the threat is real and you feel in danger. Provide any information about the individual making the threat, including their name, any identifying information, and the incident details.

4. Coordinate with HR:

Go to Human Resources for further guidance and to record the incident. Let your manager know if you need to speak to HR immediately.

5. Protect Yourself:

Ensure you are not alone in the workplace, especially if you feel at risk. If necessary, ask a colleague to accompany you for support.

6. Keep a Record:

Document all communications and incidents related to the threat. Keep copies of any emails or messages exchanged with management or law enforcement.

Handling Specific Situations

Whether the threat comes from a co-worker, a customer, or an external party, the approach may vary slightly:

Threats from Co-workers

If a co-worker threatens you, speak to your supervisor, let them handle the situation. Addressing the issue at this level can help avoid escalation and protect the fragile work environment.

Note: Depending on the severity of the threat, contacting law enforcement might also be necessary.

Threats from Customers

If a customer threatens you, first try to de-escalate the situation by offering additional assistance or support. However, if you feel uncomfortable, ask your supervisor to intervene and help manage the situation. Crucially, you must not risk being fired for being rude to a customer or making the situation worse. Let the supervisor handle this while you focus on your safety.

Example: Once, the ex of a woman I was seeing called me threatening to kill me. I immediately reported it to the police, providing the phone number he called from. The officer assured me that he would address the situation, and Mr. Schmuck never contacted me again. This highlights the importance of taking threats seriously and acting quickly.

Conclusion

Workplace threats are not to be taken lightly. Taking swift and appropriate action can protect not only yourself but also your colleagues and the work environment. Always remember to report threats, keep a record, and when necessary, call the police. Promote a culture of safety in the workplace by adhering to threat response protocols.