Workplace drama... WWYD? kinda long

dnhosking · November 2011

Ok, so I work for a small research center. There's a coworker of mine with an office pretty close to me. Shortly after I started working here, I couldnt help but hear many of her telephone conversations, because of how close our offices are and because she's rather loud. From what I have gathered, her son calls her ALL the time. He's been in and out of jail and she accuses him of being a pillhead, bad father (he's a lovely character). He continually harrasses her and asks for money.

Her son in the past used to come into the workplace (before I worked here) but he was told not to come back. We have a security guard in the building that is supposed to call the cops if he shows up, because he left a threatening message on our secretary's phone and his repeated showings.

Well, today, he was again calling like crazy for money. She was getting really angry on the phone with him. I guess he must have said he was coming down here, because she said, "Good, come down here, you will leave in handcuffs." So now Im afraid hes going to come down here and shoot the place up or something.

I mean, I dont know this guy, maybe its some empty threat, but what should I do? I shut my door, so if he does come down here, he wont see me. Ugh, Im so pissed and scared. WWYD - it may be nothing but I guess I should talk to my boss about this?

dnhosking · November 2011

I guess I should add that I have an uncle that is similar to this guy- very unstable, constantly asking for money and been in and out of prison. When he had his rock bottom periods, we would have cops drive past my grandparents house to make sure he didnt hurt them or anything. He never did, but we just had to be careful. So I dont know if Im overreacting or if this is just an empty threat by some idiot.

chloebeth930 · November 2011

I think you will be fine. Do you have an HR department. I would talk to them about your concerns for your safety after hearing your co-workers phone conversations.

Izabella22 · November 2011

I might call and warn security so they can be ready for him if/when he arrives. He may have just been making empty threats to his mother, but regardless its good they have a security guard in place to keep this guy out. I'm assuming they won't allow him to enter the building. I might keep my office door closed just to avoid anything, you could talk to your boss but it sounds like they've already got some measures in place. Too many crazy people in the world!

BritanyV · November 2011

If I were you, I'd definitely bring it up to your boss. I wonder if there is someway they can stop his calls from getting to her?

OwlSLP · November 2011

I hope for your sake, that it is an empty threat. My uncle was an addict and made life very hard for my grandparents and father for a long time. If it were me, I would talk to my boss about it because it sounds like the situation this women is dealing with is not appropriate for everyone to hear all about in the workplace. If you can hear it, perhaps others can, and it may be a distraction. Bosses don't usually like anything that distracts from getting work done. I think, like a PP said, it's time for your office to block his calls or this women needs a talking to about taking her sons calls during work hours.

kevinandmonica2011 · November 2011

Yikes!!! Scary business. I am worried for you and for her.

I hope today went ok at work... but regardless, I would talk to your boss. I'm not sure if you have anything similar, but at the hospital I work, we have a "HELP People" line for all sorts of employee social and family situations... maybe you have something like that where you can call anonymously... I don't know.

But seriously... for your safety and hers, I would let this guy's threats be known.

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Workplace drama... WWYD? kinda long

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