Occasionally, companies will hire a reliable employee who later begins having problems and making the other employees feel threatened or uncomfortable. To avoid negligent retention, managers must take immediate action if an employee poses a threat to others. The following are some ways to deal with employee anger:

• Meet with the employee to discuss the concerns and make a specific plan for improvement. If needed, use progressive discipline up to and including termination for offenses. Carefully document every step.
• Refer employees to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Nextep offers an EAP through Employee Connect, found on the web at www.eapadvantage.com, or by phone at 877-757-7587. All EAP counseling and assistance is confidential. Contact Nextep for the online password.
• If terminating an employee whom you fear may become overly agitated, have a neutral member of management (such as Human Resources) or counseling professional present to talk to the employee afterwards. Be straightforward in why you are terminating his/her employment, answer any questions, and give him/her time to cool down.
• If an employee poses an immediate threat, remove him or her from the workplace immediately. Contact the police or building security to handle the situation if necessary, to ensure the safety of coworkers.