Employee terminations can be challenging, but some pose higher risks than others, especially when dealing with individuals with potential aggression or retaliation. These are classified as high-risk employee terminations and require special care to ensure staff safety, property, and the terminated employee.
What is a High-Risk Employee Termination?
A high-risk employee termination occurs when there are concerns that an individual may respond aggressively or even violently to the loss of their job. This could stem from a variety of factors, such as the employee’s behavior prior to termination, their personal circumstances, or their past history. The risks can range from verbal threats to physical violence, damage to company property, or other disruptive actions. In some cases, these employees may harbor resentment, leading to potential confrontations that threaten workplace safety.
Employers need to assess the possibility of violence or disruptive behavior before terminating an employee, especially if they have displayed concerning behaviors. High-risk terminations are not limited to violent employees; they can include any individual who might respond unpredictably or aggressively to being dismissed.
How Can You Tell if an Employee is High-Risk?
Identifying high-risk employees before the termination process is crucial for ensuring that necessary precautions are taken. Certain warning signs can help employers identify whether an employee might pose a risk. These signs include:
- Frequent complaints or signs of a victim mentality: A disgruntled employee who frequently complains about perceived injustices or wrongs might feel resentment when being terminated.
- Verbal or non-verbal threats: Employees who have made threats, even if subtle or implied, can be considered high-risk. This includes those who use intimidating language or body language toward colleagues or supervisors.
- History of aggression or violence: Employees with a known history of violent behavior, either in the workplace or elsewhere, should be carefully monitored during the termination process.
- Sudden behavioral changes: An employee who begins to act erratically, shows unexplained absences, or exhibits aggressive behavior toward others may be at a higher risk of responding negatively to the termination.
By recognizing these red flags early, employers can take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their staff.
How Does High-Risk Employee Termination Work?
Terminating a high-risk employee involves careful planning and execution to minimize the potential for confrontation or violence. This often includes conducting a thorough risk assessment and preparing for the worst-case scenario. In many cases, it’s wise to bring in professional security services to ensure the situation is handled safely.
The termination process should be carried out in a controlled environment where the risk of escalation is minimized. This could involve meeting in a private, secure location with security personnel nearby or scheduling the termination when fewer employees are present. Additionally, the employee should be given clear instructions about the exit process, including returning company property and limiting their interaction with other staff members during the transition.
In particularly high-risk cases, security officers might escort the employee from the premises to ensure that they leave the building safely and without incident. This protects the company and prevents the employee from taking actions that could harm others or themselves.
Trust EPS to Protect Your Workplace from High-Risk Employees
High-risk employee terminations are delicate situations that require expert handling to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Echelon Protection & Surveillance specializes in providing security solutions for businesses facing high-risk terminations. Our experienced security professionals can assist with planning and executing terminations, providing on-site security, and ensuring a smooth, safe transition.
Don’t leave your workplace vulnerable—contact Echelon Protection & Surveillance to protect your staff and business from potential threats during high-risk terminations.