Hostile Employee Terminations

Home » Insights » Hostile Employee Terminations

In the back of any human resources director's mind is the thought that terminating an employee could result in a volatile situation. Threats of workplace violence following termination are some of the highest risks that management and human resource professionals encounter. In fact, seventy-five percent of all workplace acts of violence have occurred during or after the firing process. Improperly Hostile employee terminations may put your company and employees at risk. It is important that human resources professional become aware of any precursors or signs that an employee may pose a risk and determine what workplace safety protocols you should have in place. Three quarters of all workplace related acts of violence have occurred during or after the firing process. For every workplace shooting that receives coverage from the media, there are hundreds of violent encounters that never make the news. Proactive employee education and judicious intervention with disgruntled employees will help avoid violence and maintain a safe and healthy workplace. When trained by our protection professionals in accordance with our arduous standards, employees gain the tactics necessary to detect, assess, and make the split-second decisions that can literally save lives and mitigate violence in the workplace. Whether you are evaluating an employee's risk of violence, or you fear a hostile termination may incite violence, having trained plain clothes and uniformed security to provide workplace protection and hostile termination protection is a smart precaution. After a full assessment and consultation, MPS Security institutes a multifaceted approach involving a covert and overt security presence before, during, and after the employee termination. Our agents are trained to prevent problems before they happen or, if they need to, take action to keep your employees safe and secure.

Warning Signs of Potentially Violent Employees

Hostile Employee Terminations is never a comfortable event as you can never truly predict how someone will react. When dealing with troubled and potentially violent employees, take special precautions, particularly if you suspect that things could turn violent. Long before a situation reaches a termination level, take steps to address the potentially violent employee. These start with best hiring practices and a widely promoted and well-enforced policy of zero-tolerance for violence. Managers should be aware of red flags that may indicate a propensity to violence. Some of these include:

Signs of stress, depression, or suicidal ideation
A major life problem, such as divorce or legal problems
A history of problems with past jobs and and/or personal relationships
A chronic inability to get along with fellow employees
Mood swings and anger control issues
Expressions of paranoia or persecution
An inability to get beyond minor setbacks or disputes at work
A sudden deterioration in work habits or personal grooming
A fascination with guns, weapons or violent events

Best Practices When Firing a Potentially Violent Employee

Consider a professional risk management assessment
Consider using a neutral manager or outside security consultant to carry out the termination
Any manager or supervisor that has received threats should not conduct the termination
Have security nearby - not in the same office, but close enough to hear signs of a problem and to act
Consider a plain-clothed security or undercover security agent to minimize attention
Wait until the end of the workday to terminate
Minimize any reasons why the employee would have to revisit the workplace (collect belongings; pick up last check, etc.)
Be brief and respectful but get straight to the point; avoid getting into a back and forth
Emphasize any severance benefits and outsourcing help that may be available
Do not allow a break; a bathroom break could be used to retrieve weapons

It is important to take great care when terminating a hostile employee, particularly when threats have already been made. Take the right steps and keep you, your workforce and your brand safe. A human resources professional may wish to have a trained investigative staff assist with all hostile employee terminations. Here at MPS Security, we are experienced in hostile employee termination assistance and can provide you with professional and discreet surveillance on the terminated employee to document their whereabouts as well as their behaviors post termination. This will offer not only protection for your employees but peace of mind for the human resources director. The key to any hostile termination case is reducing the risk of preventable danger.

Family-Owned & Operated for 59 Years

Since 1967, MPS Security & Protection has delivered professional protected security grounded in respect, coordination, and discretion. We’re a 3rd-generation firm with longstanding client relationships and worldwide connections.

“No two clients are the same, and neither are their needs. We protect what matters most, so you don't have to.” — Our protection is tailored to your risks, lifestyle, and operations.

Client Spotlight

Meet Our Team

Experts in Executive Protection and Uniformed Security.

Michael Julian

Second Generation CEO

Michael Speirs

President

Matthew Crider

Executive Protection Manager

Robert Ramirez

Uniform Security Manager

View Full Team

Client Testimonials

“A couple times a year MPS has assisted Coca Cola with strike contingency planning and most recently with the Coca Cola sponsored FIFA World Cup trophy tour in the Los Angeles area. Your professionalism, dedication and knowledge is a comfort to me and the company during these special events.”

— The Coca-Cola Company

“The MPS staff were observant, professional, and maintained a high level of security throughout our two-day event with thousands of patrons in attendance… we have not had one major issue and could not achieve this without the expertise of MPS Security.”

— CEO, Murrieta Chamber of Commerce

“After more than five years we can say MPS Security has never let us down… Their core values align with those of our Association, and we are proud to have them a part of our community.”

— Greer Ranch

“I have called upon Michael Julian (CEO)… to assist us with security staffing support for high value asset protection, executive protection and labor actions… His attention to detail has been a valuable asset to ensuring performance satisfaction to our Fortune 500 client base.”

— FocusPoint International

Comprehensive Security, Tailored

Residential & Family Security

RST teams safeguard homes and families with 24/7 protection and low-profile coverage.

Travel Security

Advance planning and protective agents for domestic and international trips.

Event Security

Award shows, corporate meetings, and social functions — seamless protection.

Risk Mitigation & Management

Threat assessments, access control design, patrols, loss prevention, and more.

Join the MPS Team

We’re always looking for professional Executive Protection Agents and Uniformed Security Officers. Apply through our portal.

Apply – Uniform

Talk to a Security Risk Advisor

Let’s discuss your needs and design a protection plan that fits your risk profile.

Recent MPS Security Insights

Safe Guarding Success: The Importance of Corporate Security Protection

By: MPS Security

Executive Protection Unveiled: The Crucial Choice Between Armed and Unarmed Security

By: MPS Security

The Silent Shield: Understanding Covert Executive Protection

By: MPS Security

Travel Without Fear: Why High-Profile Individuals Need Executive Protection While Traveling

By: MPS Security

Why Executive Protection Should Include Residential and Family Security

By: MPS Security

CEO Safety Should Be a Top Concern for Boards: The Essential Role of Executive Protection

By: MPS Security

How to Choose the Right Executive Protection Security Service

By: MPS Security

Managing Risk: How Executive Protection Helps Mitigate Threats

By: MPS Security

Apply – Uniform

MPS Security & Protection

Executive Protection • Uniformed Security • Residential & Family Security • Travel & Event Protection

Headquarters: Murrieta, CA

info@security-mps.com
(866) 479-9645

Los Angeles, CA Office
213-650-4408
A satellite office is located in Los Angeles, California to accommodate our valued clients in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Las Vegas, NV Office
725-777-0223
MPS Security provides security services, including executive protection and uniformed agents in Las Vegas, Nevada.