Threats in the Workplace: The Thunder before the Storm?

Abstract

As thunder warns of potentially violent weather, so threats alert us to at-risk aggressors and targets in the workplace. The context surrounding this negative energy often reveals the intensity, motives and immediacy of the danger. While threats may not cause physical injuries, they can leave targets and innocent third parties traumatized, stressed and fearful. In addition, threats can devastate the productivity of the workplace, and serve as the catalyst for progressively more dangerous behaviors. Those who ignore, misunderstand or fail to take threats seriously miss an opportunity to identify, diffuse or resolve workplace problems. While threats may seem illogical and senseless to intimidated targets and surprised observers, they are very purposeful tools in the hands of skilled or desperate manipulators. Understanding the motives can help employers form effective and safe responses to threats. Employers can reduce their risk by controlling external access, improving detection, establishing clear policies and reporting procedures, utilizing pre-employment screening, providing violence prevention training, and conducting risk assessments.