OKLAHOMA CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Paycom Software, Inc. (“Paycom”) (NYSE:PAYC), a leading provider of comprehensive, cloud-based human capital management (HCM) software, announced the availability of a downloadable Workplace Threat Assessment and Response Guide, giving employers a framework to assess and potentially preempt workplace violence incidents. Paycom developed the guide in early 2018 based on insights gained after the company disrupted a potential workplace violence incident at its headquarters over a year ago; today, more than 100 Fortune 1000 companies are utilizing the publication.
In summer 2018, Paycom formed a coalition composed of businesses, mental health professionals, nonprofits and leaders in law enforcement. Coalition members provided input based on their own workplace experiences, leading to the guide’s current comprehensive and easy-to-follow version.
Coalition members also actively supported passage of new legislation to give organizations added steps of protection. These new Oklahoma laws allow employers to file restraining orders (Senate Bill 715), require training for the Council on Law Enforcement and Education Training (CLEET) on how to work with individuals in need of mental health services (Senate Bill 656), and clarify social media as an avenue for conveying threats (Senate Bill 752).
“Not every threatening statement leads to violence, but every threat must be assessed because businesses have a duty to care and a duty to act,” said Paycom’s founder and CEO, Chad Richison. “Because of our market leadership and based on our own experiences, we created a guide to help other organizations deal more effectively with threats in their workplace. We will continue to improve the guide and strengthen legislation allowing organizations to take swift action on threatening behavior in the workplace.”
Paycom’s Workplace Threat Assessment and Response Guide was developed in partnership with Larry Barton, Ph.D., a risk management consultant, author and professor. One of the world’s leading experts in crisis management and threat assessment, Barton is the highest-rated instructor at the FBI Academy and U.S. Marshals Service.
“Today, I am aware of approximately 110 of the Fortune 1000 companies who are using the guide to mitigate exposure at their organization, and I encourage all companies take the opportunity to download this resource as Paycom spent significant resources in its creation,” said Barton. “As a result of what Paycom learned about resources and the need for public-private partnerships, I would rank its preparedness to be among the best in the nation. I commend its leadership on utilizing its financial resources and knowledge to share this invaluable guide with fellow businesses across the world. This guide is an essential tool for companies of all sizes in preparing for and in responding to a credible workforce violence threat.”
Barton has shared the guide with his clientele, which includes companies like American Airlines, Johnson & Johnson and Marathon Oil.
Niell Irvin, director of security and emergency preparedness for Marathon Oil based in Houston, Texas, noted the company has integrated the guide into its safety standards. “The guide serves as a great resource for our leaders, helping our people identify a situation of concern and think out guardrails on how to keep people safe,” Irvin said. “Companies are sharing lessons across sector lines, and that just enhances focus on the safety of our employees, which is job one for us.”
Paycom’s Workplace Threat Assessment and Response Guide is available for free and immediate download from Paycom.com/learn-more/workplace-threat-assessment-guide