How Do You Deal With Someone Threatening You at Work? 10 Steps

Last Updated on December 29, 2023 by Daniel Boyce

Have you ever been in a situation where a coworker or boss has threatened you at work?

It’s a scary and stressful experience that can leave you feeling helpless and unsure of what to do next.

Unfortunately, workplace harassment and threats are not uncommon, and it’s important to know how to handle these situations appropriately.

Ignoring the problem or staying silent can only make it worse and lead to further harassment.

If you find yourself in a situation where someone is threatening you at work, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and ensure your safety.

In this article, we will discuss the 10 steps you can take to deal with workplace threats and harassment effectively.

These steps will help you take control of the situation and protect yourself from further harm.

How do you deal with someone threatening you at work?

Workplace harassment and threats are unfortunately not uncommon. It’s important to have a plan in place for how to handle these situations should they arise.

However, it can be difficult to know where to start.

1. Acknowledge the situation and take it seriously

If someone is threatening you at work, the first thing you need to do is acknowledge the situation and take it seriously.

It’s easy to brush off a threat and assume that the person is just blowing off steam, but it’s important to remember that any type of threat, no matter how small it may seem, should be taken seriously.

Start by documenting the situation and any evidence that you have. Then, alert your manager or HR representative immediately.

If you feel unsafe, it’s also important to contact the police or other authorities. Ignoring a threat could make the situation worse, so it’s best to tackle it head-on.

2. Document the threats

If you’re being threatened at work, it’s important to document the threats as thoroughly as possible.

This could mean writing down any specific words or actions that were used during the threat, as well as the date, time, and location of each occurrence.

You should also gather any other evidence related to the threat, such as emails or recordings if possible.

Documenting the threats in this way serves multiple purposes.

First, it helps you recall the specifics of the incidents over time.

And second, it provides a clear record of the threats that can be used if legal action is ever taken.

3. Inform your supervisor or HR department

If you’re being threatened at work, it’s crucial that you inform your supervisor or HR department immediately.

These individuals are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of employees, and they can take action to protect you.

When you report the situation, be sure to provide a detailed account of the threats, as well as any evidence you have collected.

Your supervisor or HR representative should take the threat seriously and take steps to address the situation, such as investigating the incident and taking disciplinary action against the person who made the threat.

Remember, it’s important to speak up and report any threats as soon as they occur.

4. Request a meeting with the person making the threats

While it’s not always possible or advisable, requesting a meeting with the person making the threats can be a useful approach to resolving the situation.

You may want to request this meeting with the support of your supervisor or HR department, who can mediate and ensure the conversation is constructive and respectful.

During the meeting, explain how the threats have impacted you and discuss ways to resolve the situation.

It’s important to stay calm and maintain a professional demeanor during the meeting, even if you feel threatened or intimidated.

Remember that the goal is to find a resolution that benefits both parties and ensures a safe and respectful work environment.

5. Remain calm and professional during the meeting

If you’re having a meeting with the person making threats, it’s essential to remain calm and professional throughout the entire conversation.

If things get heated or you feel threatened, you should ask to end the meeting.

It’s important to approach the conversation with an open mind and try to understand the motivations behind the person’s actions.

Avoid making assumptions or accusations, and stick to the facts of the situation.

Remember that the goal is to find a resolution that benefits everyone involved and ensures a safe and respectful work environment.

By approaching the conversation with a calm and professional demeanor, you can increase the chances of a positive outcome.

6. Clearly communicate the impact of the threats on your work and well-being

During a meeting with the person making threats, it’s essential that you clearly communicate the impact of their behavior on your work and well-being.

Be specific and provide examples of how their actions have affected you, whether it’s through increased stress, difficulty focusing on work, or feeling unsafe at work.

By clearly communicating the impact of the threats, you can help the other person understand the seriousness of their actions and the consequences they may face.

Importantly, this can also help establish a shared understanding of the situation, which is essential for reaching a resolution that works for everyone involved. 

7. Set boundaries and expectations for future behavior

When dealing with someone who has made threats at work, it’s important to set clear boundaries and expectations for future behavior.

This might involve establishing a plan for how the individual will interact with you moving forward, such as only communicating through email or ensuring that meetings take place in public spaces.

You should also clearly communicate any consequences that will result from further threatening behavior, such as disciplinary action or involving law enforcement.

By setting these boundaries and expectations, you can help create a safer and more respectful work environment for yourself and your colleagues.

8. Develop an action plan with your supervisor or HR department

When dealing with a threatening situation at work, it’s important to develop an action plan with your supervisor or HR department.

This can involve identifying steps to maintain your safety, such as arranging for additional security measures or rearranging your work schedule.

It’s also important to identify next steps for addressing the situation with the individual who made the threats, including the consequences of any further threatening behavior.

Having a clear action plan can help you feel more in control of the situation and can also provide a foundation for future discussions with your supervisor or HR representative.

9. Follow up on the situation and document any further incidents

It’s important to follow up on the situation and document any further incidents that occur after a threat has been made at work.

This includes any incidents related to the threat as well as general interactions with the individual who made it.

You should also document any communication you have with your supervisor or HR department regarding the situation.

Following up on the situation and documenting any further incidents can be helpful if legal action is needed later on.

It can also help ensure that the situation is properly resolved and that you feel safe at work moving forward.

10. Seek support and resources for managing stress and anxiety related to the situation

Experiencing threats at work can be extremely stressful and anxiety-inducing, which is why it’s crucial to seek support and resources for managing these feelings.

This might include accessing a confidential employee assistance program (EAP) for counseling or connecting with a therapist outside of work.

You can also engage in stress-reducing activities, such as mindfulness meditation, exercise, or spending time with supportive friends and family members.

Taking care of your mental health is essential when dealing with any difficult situation, and it can also help you feel more equipped to handle future challenges that may arise at work.

Top 7 Warning Signs You Are Being Threatened at Work

1. Constant Belittling and Public Humiliation

If you find yourself constantly being belittled or publicly humiliated by a coworker or supervisor, it may be a warning sign that you are being threatened at work.

Such behavior can chip away at your self-esteem and create an unhealthy work environment.

2. Persistent Intimidation and Verbal Abuse

Verbal intimidation and abuse can be clear indications of a threatening situation.

If a colleague or superior consistently uses derogatory language, raises their voice, or makes aggressive gestures towards you, it’s important to address the issue promptly to protect your well-being.

3. Credibility Undermining and Spreading Rumors

Another alarming sign is finding your credibility being consistently undermined or seeing rumors being spread about you.

This tactic is used to damage your reputation and create doubt about your abilities, making it difficult for you to succeed in your role.

4. Exclusion and Isolation from Team Activities

If you are constantly being excluded from team activities, meetings, or important projects without any valid reason, it could be a sign of hostility towards you.

Feeling isolated can negatively impact your work performance and overall job satisfaction.

5. Threats, Harassment, and Bullying

When threats, harassment, or bullying occur in the workplace, the situation becomes highly concerning.

These actions can manifest in various forms, such as physical intimidation, cyberbullying, or stalking.

It is crucial to document such incidents and report them to the appropriate individuals or departments.

6. Unfair Treatment or Discrimination

Being subjected to unfair treatment or discrimination based on your race, gender, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic is not only unjust but also a clear warning sign of workplace threats.

Recognize your rights and seek assistance from human resources or an appropriate authority to address such issues.

7. Physical Violence or Aggressive Behavior

Perhaps the most severe warning sign is the presence of physical violence or aggressive behavior from a colleague or supervisor.

Any form of physical harm or threats to your safety should never be tolerated.

Report the incidents immediately and ensure your personal safety is prioritized.

Conclusion

Dealing with someone who is threatening you at work can be a stressful and intense situation.

However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and find a resolution that benefits everyone involved.

It’s important to take any threats seriously and document them thoroughly, inform your supervisor or HR department, and request a meeting with the person making the threats if appropriate.

Additionally, it’s important to maintain a calm and professional demeanor during any meetings or conversations, clearly communicate the impact of the threats, and set boundaries and expectations for future behavior.

By following these steps and seeking support for managing related stress and anxiety, you can help create a safer and more respectful work environment for yourself and your colleagues.