Security during Employee Termination

Protecting workers, clients, and your business.

When terminating an employee, business managers and owners should consider worst-case scenarios prior to the firing. COVID-19 restrictions have aggravated incidences across the country and the potential for workplace violence or retaliation is real. Certainly, not all terminations result in violence, but even the quietest employees may react in ways you'd never expect.

Existing employees, vendors, and clients should all feel safe, secure, and protected in the presence of an employee termination.

High-Risk Employees

While all terminations are unique, some workers can easily be deemed as high-risk. Since a firing is often due to underperformance, misconduct, or insubordination, the possibility of an unfavorable reaction or retaliation is higher in likelihood.

High-risk employees may exhibit some of the following characteristics:

• verbal or physical threats against management or co-workers.

• frequently complains and demonstrates a victim mentality.

• sudden changes in mood or behavior such as excessive tardiness, unexplained absences, and/or explosive reaction to feedback.

• a history of violence.

These behaviors don't necessarily mean the worker will require a security presence during and after termination, but it would be prudent to do so.

Consider these steps when terminating a worker:

Where will the firing occur? Will it be an office meeting or at the workplace? Maxxguard security guards can be present at the facility, providing not only a visible deterrent but also a trained response if necessary.

Is the employee aware the termination is about to occur? Whether aware or unaware, these terminations come with risks. A high-risk worker, for example, who is aware they are about to be fired, has time to plan a response. Likewise, a worker who is unaware may behave violently upon hearing the news.

Will the worker be asked to leave immediately? If this is the case, you may want to consider a security guard to escort the fired worker from the premises.

Call Maxxguard for a consultation regarding what is best for your unique situation at (731) 427-7222.