How to Spot and Respond to Disturbing Behavior at Work

In the wake of the horrifying Aurora, Colorado shooting, the media has been on the lookout for any possible copycat crimes—and at least two alleged incidents involving the workplace have been reported.

In Brooklyn, a Department of Education employee was taken into custody after confessing to an obsession with the alleged shooter, James Holmes. The man also mentioned that he “didn’t like his co-workers.” Police received complaints that the individual had pictures of Holmes all over his workspace.

Only a couple of days later, a Maryland man was arrested after threatening a former supervisor. The man told the police that he was a “joker” (allegedly the Aurora shooter said the same when he was arrested).

These types of stories are disturbing but not completely uncommon in the workplace. We highlight these two real-life examples to point out that it’s wise to pay attention to any troubling behavior, whether it’s violent or non-violent and regardless of the employee’s gender. An awareness of warning signs and appropriate responses for disruptive and inappropriate conduct can help prevent unwanted incidents at work. Below are two checklists you can use for some guidance on how to handle these sensitive issues.



Identifying Inappropriate or Disturbing Behavior in the Workplace

Look for employees who:

• Have had a radical change in behavior (e.g., were once cheerful and outgoing, and then suddenly withdrawn or angry)
• Appear suddenly disheveled or unkempt
• Say unusual or bizarre statements that seem unrelated to the conversation taking place
• See or hear something that others cannot see or hear
• Seem like they could be under the influence of a substance (e.g., dilated pupils, slurred speech, unsteady gait, mental fogginess)
• Make statements that can be considered a threat to one’s self or others (e.g., “I wish I couldn’t wake up any more.” “I am going to get them!” “I’ll show them!”)
• Exhibit significantly disordered, disorganized, or confused thinking
• Display inappropriate or unstable emotions
• Demonstrate impaired judgment or extremely bizarre behavior

Responding to Inappropriate or Disturbing Behavior in the Workplace

• Do not keep it to yourself! Notify a senior manager, Human Resources, or an Employee Relations specialist to further discuss your concerns and determine next steps that are in line with your company’s policies and procedures.
• Trust your gut. If you feel like something isn’t right, you are probably correct.
• Respond to the behavior right away! Don’t wait until there is a crisis.
• Contact your EAP and Work/Life Program for consultation with an expert counselor who can make suggestions or recommendations as to how to proceed.

There are many reasons why an employee may be behaving inappropriately. They could be dealing with a lot of stress at home, or have medical issues. Some may have a mental or physical condition that is related to their behavior, but they are not necessarily a danger to themselves or others.

On the other hand, the behavior could indicate a more serious mental health condition or a substance abuse problem. Do not attempt to diagnose what is going on with the employee. Instead, take appropriate steps by involving internal personnel according to your company’s policy and procedure. Provide assistance to the employee through the EAP, or by utilizing your company’s health benefits (insurance, short-term disability, etc.).

If there is an employee who is behaving strangely, it is unlikely that the situation will get better on its own with no intervention. So, the sooner you address the issue, the better off you will be.

--Julie LeBlanc and Joanna Kim

Julie LeBlanc is the Associate Director of Clinical Services at HRI. She oversees the management consultation division of the EAP and helps managers and HR with sensitive employee concerns.

Joanna Kim is a Writer/Content Strategist for HRI.