23
When an Employee Threatens Violence

After Vernice Givens, who owns V&G Marketing Associates in Kansas City, fired an employee, the woman threatened her. She asked the woman to leave. Then Vernice and a security guard accompanied the agitated woman outside. Afterward, Vernice consulted an employment attorney about her next step.

“Not only did I have to be concerned for my own safety, but that of my employees,” she said.

She followed her attorney’s advice and sent the woman a letter telling her that if she persisted, she would face legal action. That ended the problem.

Threats from employees are scary and should never be taken lightly. The appropriate action will depend on the circumstances and the employee, but you should assess the situation right away. Enlist the help of experts, if necessary, and formulate an appropriate response as soon as possible.