Employee Threat

hutch0830 · January 2014

Hi Everyone! I could use some advice. I was made aware that two of my employees were being very negative and were spending too much time complaining on lync (our instant message servicer). I pulled their logs, as this is allowable for managers to do at my company. I found a lot of inappropriate remarks but the one I'm the most concerned about is that one of them said she was so mad she wanted to take a match and burn our building down. Now this is a young employee a few months in to her first job, and was just passed up for a promotion. I'm pretty sure she is still hurting from that and is venting in an unprofessional and inappropriate manner. On the other hand, this is a pretty serious thing to say, and what if I was wrong in my assumption? Should I use this situation to have a serious discussion about expectations and what's appropriate or should I report this to HR which would probably lead to immediate termination. I'd appreciate any suggestions or feedback!!

TarponMonoxide · January 2014

There are such things as rhetorical comments -- like when you go "Those kids up the block are nasty to us all -- I'd like to wring their necks." You know you'd never wring their necks; this is just a way for you to comment about how nasty the kids are.

I am sure that the comment is meant rhetorically by that employee

Is there any way you can limit their linc time? or perhaps restrict them from using it at all? That would be my solution to the problem. Let a systems admin take care of the problem that way.

You can also tell this person, "You know, if you think so highly of this company, nobody is stopping you from staying; you can find another job and go at any time yo wish. THis is still a free country."

Sillygirl45 · January 2014

This is a really tough spot you're in. Of course this girl isn't really going to burn down the building. However, what if it were a creepy employee who made people uncomfortable? You would probably feel a stronger obligation to take action.

The problem is...what if you let this slide, then need to terminate someone over a similar situation?It could be looked at as discrimination.

Do you have a supervisor or another colleague you could confidentially consult about this?

While I understand you don't want to overreact and end up with two people losing their jobs who really don't need to, you're not the one who was being inappropriate. Sometimes people need to learn a lesson. If you can make it clear this will not be tolerated and not put yourself or your job in jeopardy, do it. If you can't and you feel you could be on the hook for not doing something, do what you need to.

hutch0830 · January 2014

Thanks so much for the advice! That's what I was leaning toward. I know she's not planning on acting on that threat, but it does put me in a weird spot because I feel like it crosses some line and I should mention it. But she is young and was venting. I ran this past a mentor as well, as I didn't want to discuss with my boss at this point, and that's what he suggested as well. I will just sit them each down and have a serious discussion. Thanks again!

msdidonato · January 2014

Let us know how it goes. I am curious to how they took the talk.

daisy662 · January 2014

I am an HR Exec. Please discuss this with your HR. PP is correct that if this situation isn't handled appropriately and consistent with past practice, it could really put your company at risk. Not reporting it could also get you in some hot water. I have absolutely held Managers accountable for not coming forward with information. Finally, don't just assume she won't burn down the building just because she "isn't creepy". Though likely she was just blowing off steam, you don't want to take the chance that she was serious.... Best of luck!

anabelle24 · January 2014

I'm curious - how were you "made aware" that they were complaining on this instant messaging device? Someone else / or several other people already know or suspect this is happening? If you just leave it be and it goes higher up you could potentially be in hot water because you did investigate the matter and do nothing. I don't think she'd actually burn the building down but she seriously needs to smarten up. If she wants to complain about her job she should do it on her time and not on the company's dime. I hope she won't get fired for it but she wouldn't be the first one to go down that path and it'll be a lesson learned...

Employee Threat

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