An office brawl, now what?

Q:  Earlier this month we had a fight in our office.  No, not the shouting kind.  Instead more of the punching kind.  It started as pushing and shoving, then got worse.  It was crazy.  I was not involved.  Instead I ran for cover, and tried to encourage a few others to do the same.  Finally, it ended, and they both left the building.  A few of us felt anxious after that happened.  We even locked the front door and we never lock the door.  Now we have an HR Rep visiting next week, and she is flying in from our headquarters.  This almost never happens, so we think this is related to the fight.  No one wants to get involved.  I don’t want to be involved, but I also don’t want this to happen again.  We are all not sure what to do, or how this will unfold.  I really just want to do my work and leave at the end of the day.  I don’t want to be around this drama and immaturity.  It was like a schoolyard brawl. How is this handled?

A: Oh no.  This sounds like a horrible situation.  A horrible situation which has turned into an awkward situation, because co-workers are now feeling uncomfortable. 

If asked any questions by the HR Rep, provide factual and honest responses.  Not only is HR looking to make sure that they have an accurate understanding of what happened that day, but they also need to ensure that your workplace is safe, and all employees feel like this is an office where employees are respected and valued, but most importantly safe. 

No one should have to work in an environment with the fear of being physically threatened.  It is frightening to think that an employee would have to be concerned about their safety in this manner.  In most organizations, a physical confrontation warrants an immediate termination. 

HR though may be collecting facts before any action is taken.  Please be honest and forthright when sharing your observations about the fight.  I would hate for you, and others, to have to be subjected to an escalated follow-up confrontation. 

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