Fears about worker shootings prompt new business tactics

OKLAHOMA CITY – Security is tight at the sprawling campus headquarters of payroll technology giant Paycom in Oklahoma City. Off-duty police officers roam the complex, bolstering the company’s own private security force of armed guards. A basement command centre that looks like a scene from a spy movie is filled with video screens from hundreds of security cameras.

Company officials say they ramped-up security after a disgruntled ex-worker began frightening employees with threatening messages and social media posts.

After numerous consultations with experts on workplace violence, the company held brainstorming sessions with civic leaders, law enforcement and others in the community to develop a threat assessment and response guide for companies to use. They also helped write a new law that allows businesses to petition the court for a victim’s protective order.