Response Options
If you are concerned about disruptive behaviors in your work environment, you have several options to request help from Safe at Hopkins. Reviewing the behaviors on the Johns Hopkins Continuum of Disruptive Behaviors at Work may help you decide which kind of action you need to take.
- Report a Threat or Risk. Complete this online form if you observe or experience behaviors of concern such as moderate to severe bullying, stalking, domestic violence or acts of violence.
- If you sense something, say something! Talk with your manager, supervisor, academic advisor, or human resources professional if a person or situation makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Together, you can complete the Report a Threat or Risk form or the Report Disruptive Behavior form.
- Report Disruptive Behavior. Complete this online form if you experience inappropriate or disrespectful behavior or mild bullying; people define these behaviors differently so please review the Safe at Hopkins definitions on the Johns Hopkins Continuum of Disruptive Behaviors at Work. While not all disruptive behaviors move towards violence, it is important to recognize these behaviors so that appropriate intervention and support can be offered to prevent greater disruption.
- Discuss a Concern. Request a consultation to learn more about disruptive behaviors at work and receive support. A consultation is not a formal report of concerning behaviors.
- Request Brochures. Complete this online form to request general awareness brochures on disruptive behaviors or domestic violence in the workplace.
- Request Training. Complete this online form to request training on disruptive behavior, domestic violence or workplace violence for employees, managers, or leadership.
If you are not ready to take action, request a consultation to discuss a concern with Safe at Hopkins.
Roadblocks to Taking Action
Sometimes, people don’t report concerning behaviors for the reasons listed below. Reaching out to Safe at Hopkins can be the first step in improving your work environment and safety.
Lack of Awareness
It is no longer acceptable to say that you didn’t know who to tell. If you notice any concerning or threatening behaviors, it is important that you say something. If you are unsure as to what concerning behaviors look like, take a moment to review the Johns Hopkins Continuum of Disruptive Behaviors at Work. We all have a role to play in preventing disruptive behaviors at work from escalating.
Concern about What Others Will Think
It is natural, as humans, to sometimes be afraid to act because you are not sure what someone else will think or do. This is not the time to stand idle. After almost every high-profile workplace violence incident reported in the media, someone comes forward after the event to describe a concern that he or she had about the perpetrator of the violence. There is too much at stake in these situations to not speak up.
Concern about Retaliation
Johns Hopkins will not permit employment-based retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, brings a complaint of workplace violence or who speaks as a witness in the investigation of a complaint of workplace violence.
Think it is Someone Else’s Responsibility
We all have a role to play in preventing disruptive behaviors at work from escalating. If you see a concerning behavior or attitude, report it. Maybe no one else saw it. Even if he or she did, you may be the only person who has the foresight to speak up!
