I approached co-worker about his passive-aggressive behavior that could have harmed someone and he laughed?

Question

This was a very calculated act that took time...Employee that unscrews bolts in conference table at work -

Our conference table collapsed on us during a meeting. Luckily no one was really injured although one woman had it land on her knee.

It was a calculated act as the table grew more and more wobbly with each meeting until it finally collapsed - now they use the "good" half for meetings!

We have suspicision that one of our very passive aggressive employees did this, so I approached him to day about it, and he outright admitted it, laughed and said he was proud of it!

Now, I'm really concerned. What is he capable of doing next?

Should I be concerned or sit back with popcorn and wait?

Answer 1

.....You're right. This is not a trivial matter. This is what is called a "behavior" problem resulting in damage to property and danger to coworkers. It should not be tolerated in any workplace. The behavior is totally unprofessional and in most organizations he would be fired on the spot.

If you're this person's supervisor, I recommend that you make this incident a matter of record and issue a formal warning in writing.

If you're not the supervisor, I recommend that you take the issue to him/her...the supervisor should be involved in this case, and should take action.

Answer 2

This scenario sounds like an episode of NBC's the Office. And just like the show which portrays political un-correctness at work, this guy probably done something devious before and will continue to do it later.

If your job doesn't take these matters serious I would consider finding a new one. Because you know if he believes he can get away with actions like these than who knows what else he might try to do.

Answer 3

Unless you are the boss---- You did say co-worker, you should have taken this up with your superior. It's not your place. There is a such thing as chain of command. Yes, you should be worried. You took on a task that didn't belong to you. Who voted you martyr for the group. Oh yea!!! This person is passive aggressive, and you are , what? Assertive... Not

Answer 4

You should be concerned. Was the act passive, agressive, or just dangerous? Will your ceiling fall next? This person is out to injure someone. I think he needs to be diagnosed and treated. Take this to your supervisor before someone loses a body part.

Answer 5

You stated: "the table grew further and added wobbly with each and each assembly till it finally collapsed". perhaps your "passive aggressive" worker needed to work out if anybody might take preventative action or in simple terms permit it worsen and worse. in case you ought to work out the table growing to be volatile and you probably did no longer do something, you're in simple terms as at fault because of the fact the wrongdoer. If i became into that woman, i might sue.

Answer 6

Take the bad half of the table and conk him over the head with it. It might knock some sense in his pea brain. Grab some buttered popcorn and a soda and watch him slowly re-gain consciousness. This might straighten him out. ;-)

Answer 7

If I were you I'd have a private talk with one of your bosses and tell him/her what happened and that he admitted doing it. It is their responsibility to take this matter into their hands. He should at least be written up if not fired. It definitely needs to go in his file in case anything suspicious happens in the future it will be documented. If I were you I'd stay away from this guy as much as you can.

Answer 8

You might want to mention his behavior to a supervisor or someone in your Human Resources department. Although he may have not done any harm this time, it makes you wonder what will he do next and will it get out of hand.

It is better to be safe than sorry.

Answer 9

Hang a white board on him and make him in stand in front of his office. That board should display this:"I'm sorry, i will not do this kind of act in future any more. I ask for forgiveness from those who got hurt and others also." This will surely make him understand that life is not a game it has to be taken seriously.

Do not wait...
Now u hv a job to do.. go.. go... go

All the best.

Answer 10

I would be concerned. Remember Cho? What your co-worker did is just crazy and childish. I would have to snich on that type of stupidity. You should be concerned about what he's capable of...That was a dangerous prank!