Recognizing Behavioral Indicators of Violence

Executive Summary

Violence in the workplace (or in any arena) doesn’t come out of nowhere. Hostility can strike suddenly, as in a transactional dispute, or it can build up and explode after a long, slow burn. Either way, these incidents are almost always accompanied by clear warning signs, and these signs are common across a wide range of people, cultures, and industries.

Recognizing the early warning signs of violent behavior is crucial for prevention and de-escalation – after all, how can you prevent or de-escalate a situation if you don’t even recognize that it’s happening? Employees who know what to look for and how to respond can defuse conflicts before they spiral out of control; or if serious violence is imminent, they can recognize that and escape to safety quickly.

Violence in the workplace (or in any arena) doesn’t come out of nowhere.

Let’s do a breakdown of these two types of situations:

1. The Slow Burn – Long-term warning signs often develop over weeks, months, or even years. These behaviors signal that an employee or customer is becoming increasingly disgruntled, stressed, or resentful. While not everyone exhibiting these signs will become violent, patterns of escalating frustration and hostility should not be ignored.
2. The Sudden Explosion – Unlike long-term indicators, short-term warning signs appear right before an outburst, fight, or act of violence. These behaviors suggest that someone is on the verge of losing control and needs immediate intervention.

The difference between long-term and short-term warning signs is time and immediacy:

• Long-term signs suggest someone is building toward violence, creating an opportunity for intervention before they reach a breaking point.
• Short-term signs mean that violence could occur within minutes or seconds, requiring immediate action to de-escalate or remove oneself from the situation.

The key is not to ignore the early signs, because once a person reaches their breaking point, intervention becomes much harder.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how these warning signs appear in real-world situations, helping you understand when and where to look for them.

Long-Term Warning Signs: The Slow Burn (Escalating Over Time)

These behaviors suggest someone may be harboring resentment, experiencing stress, or building toward violent actions:

1. Persistent Grudges & Resentment – Frequently complains about perceived injustices, especially against management or coworkers.
2. Paranoia, Mistrust, and Perceived Victimization – Believes they are being treated unfairly or targeted by others.
3. Fixation on Violence – Talks about or shows fascination with past violent events, weapons, or violent individuals.
4. Sudden Changes in Behavior – Becomes more withdrawn, moody, or aggressive than usual.
5. Exaggerated Sense of Entitlement – Expresses frustration when things don’t go their way and believes they “deserve” better treatment.
6. Declining Work Performance & Attendance Issues – Frequent absences, tardiness, or a noticeable drop in productivity.
7. History of Conflict – Repeated arguments with coworkers, supervisors, or customers.
8. Direct or Indirect Threats or Ultimatums – Jokes or comments about harming others, even if said casually; issues promises about “taking care of this” or “ending this once and for all”.
9. Blaming Others for Problems – Refuses to take responsibility, instead blaming colleagues, management, or “the system.”
10. Intimidation Tactics – Raising their voice, using aggressive body language, invading personal space, or staring intensely can indicate an attempt to control or threaten others.
11. Excessive Stress or Personal Crisis – Financial problems, relationship troubles, or legal issues that might increase frustration and instability.
12. Increased Substance Use – Alcohol or drug use that worsens their behavior or decision-making.
13. Unusual Preoccupation with Workplace Policies or Security Measures – Asking detailed questions about exits, cameras, or emergency protocols.
14. Testing Boundaries – Pushing the limits of company policies or social norms (e.g., ignoring rules or being overly aggressive).
15. Isolation from Peers – Avoiding social interactions, disengaging from team activities, or being ostracized due to behavior.
16. Extreme Emotional Reactions to Minor Issues – Overreacting to small inconveniences or slights.

Slow Burn Example 1: The Employee Who Holds a Grudge

Imagine a cashier named Jake who has worked at a grocery store for three years. Over time, he’s become bitter toward his manager, whom he believes unfairly criticizes his work. At first, he just complains to coworkers, but his resentment deepens:

• He starts making comments like, “One of these days, I’m just going to lose it.”
• He isolates himself, no longer joking with coworkers.
• His performance declines, showing up late and taking excessive breaks.
• He posts angry rants about his job on social media.

Jake’s behavior might seem like standard workplace frustration, but taken together, these signs suggest that he is internalizing a sense of victimhood and could be heading toward a breaking point.

Slow Burn Example 2: The Customer Who Feels Wronged

Long-term warning signs aren’t limited to employees. Some customers develop persistent resentment toward a business:

• A regular customer at a hardware store frequently argues with staff about return policies.
• Over time, he becomes more aggressive, blaming employees for his problems.
• He fixates on previous conflicts, bringing them up months later.
• He makes vague threats like, “One day, you’re going to regret treating people this way.”

When someone harbors a long-term grievance, their anger may simmer until it reaches a boiling point. Businesses should take such comments seriously and document interactions with hostile customers.

Short-Term Warning Signs: The Sudden Explosion (Happens in an instant)

Unlike long-term indicators, short-term warning signs appear right before an outburst, fight, or act of violence. These behaviors suggest that someone is on the verge of losing control and needs immediate intervention.

1. 1. Sudden Change in Demeanor – Goes from calm to visibly agitated within seconds or minutes.
   2. Clenched Fists or Jaw – Tightly gripped hands, stiff posture, or locked jaw indicating tension.
   3. Rapid or Shallow Breathing – Hyperventilating or struggling to control breathing.
   4. Raised Voice or Abrupt Silence – Yelling, cursing, or suddenly going quiet while staring intensely.
   5. Invading Personal Space – Moving aggressively toward another person, ignoring personal boundaries.
   6. Unblinking Eye Contact or Darting Eyes – Staring intensely or scanning the room as if preparing for action.
   7. Pacing or Fidgeting – Unable to stay still, rocking back and forth, or shifting weight nervously.
   8. Hands Disappear from View – Reaching into pockets, under clothing, or behind their back (potentially for a weapon).
   9. Pointing or Shaking Finger Aggressively – A sign of escalating hostility.
   10. Veiled or Direct Threats – Saying things like “You’ll regret this” or “I’ll show you.”
   11. Breaking Objects – Slamming items on counters, throwing objects, or hitting walls.
   12. Mocking or Sarcastic Tone – Smirking, laughing inappropriately, or making degrading comments.
   13. Ignoring Requests to De-Escalate – Not responding to calm attempts to de-escalate the situation.
   14. Removing Clothing or Accessories – Taking off a hat, rolling up sleeves, or dropping a bag—possible signs of preparing for a fight.
   15. Reaching for Another Person – Grabbing, shoving, or making any unwanted physical contact.

Sudden Explosion Example 1: The Angry Customer at Checkout

A customer at a convenience store tries to use an expired coupon. When the cashier politely explains that it’s no longer valid, the customer’s demeanor changes instantly:

• His breathing becomes heavy, and he leans forward aggressively.
• He starts muttering under his breath, then raises his voice.
• His fists clench, and his hands tremble as he slams his wallet on the counter.
• He makes a threatening remark: “You better fix this, or there’s going to be a problem.”

At this point, the risk of violence is high. If the employee recognizes these signals, they can attempt to de-escalate by staying calm, offering alternatives, and maintaining a safe distance.

Sudden Explosion Example 2: The Employee Who Snaps

Sometimes, a worker with long-term warning signs finally reaches a breaking point. Imagine a warehouse employee named Dave who has been stressed for weeks over financial problems and workplace conflicts. One day, a coworker accidentally bumps into him, spilling his coffee. What happens next?

• Dave suddenly freezes, staring at his coworker without responding.
• His jaw tightens, and his breathing becomes shallow.
• He clenches his fists and moves aggressively into his coworker’s personal space.
• He explodes, screaming threats and shoving the other employee

How to Respond When You Recognize Warning Signs

Recognizing signs of potential violence is only part of the equation. The next step is knowing how to handle the situation safely and effectively.

1. Trust Your Instincts – If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Many employees hesitate to speak up, fearing they might overreact, but it’s always better to act early.
2. Maintain Distance and Avoid Confrontation – If you notice an individual displaying violent tendencies, do not challenge or argue with them. Give them space to cool down.
3. Alert Management or HR – If the situation involves a coworker, inform HR or a supervisor immediately. If it’s a customer, notify store security or management.
4. Call Law Enforcement When Necessary – If an individual is making direct threats, brandishing a weapon, or physically aggressive, call 911. Never attempt to handle violent behavior alone.

Check in With Affected Employees – If a colleague or customer was the target of aggression, offer support and encourage them to report any ongoing concerns.

A Culture of Awareness Saves Lives

Preventing workplace violence starts with awareness and action. Employees who recognize early warning signs and take appropriate steps can help protect themselves, their coworkers, and customers. Creating a culture where concerns can be voiced without fear of dismissal ensures a safer workplace for everyone.

Train Your Entire Team: Our Behavioral Indicators Training

Our BI (Behavioral Indicators) training module helps organizations recognize and respond to early signs of potential workplace violence. With clear guidance on what behavioral indicators are, what they look like, and the highest risk—changes in behavior, employees learn to identify red flags before they escalate. The training also covers responding to warning signs and highlights the two key benefits of early intervention: protecting people and maintaining stability. To learn how this training can support your organization, get in touch with us here.