Roadblocks to Action

There are many possible reasons why people don’t report concerning behaviors, but most often the reasons fall into one of four categories:

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 from escalating at work.

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, but this is not the time to stand idle. After almost every high-profile workplace violence incident in the media, someone comes forward after the fact 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 allhave a role to play in preventing workplace violence. 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!