Minneapolis and St. Cloud employment law attorney Sheila Engelmeier explains how setting the ground rules prior to a meeting can be helpful to an employer. She explained that when an employee becomes upset, angry, frustrated, loud, or highly emotional during a meeting, the situation should be managed by referring back to the expectations established at the beginning of the conversation. She emphasized that employers should set clear ground rules by acknowledging that the discussion may be uncomfortable for both parties and by agreeing that everyone will communicate respectfully throughout the meeting. If the employee no longer communicates respectfully, she advised reminding them of the agreed-upon expectations and allowing them time to regain their composure before continuing the discussion.

She further explained that if respectful and productive communication is no longer possible, the employer should remove themselves from the situation rather than allowing the conflict to escalate. She suggested stepping out of the room and asking the employee to indicate when they are ready to continue the conversation respectfully. According to her, giving employees the opportunity to calm down helps create a more constructive environment for resolving workplace concerns.

She also emphasized the importance of planning for personal safety when there are indications that an employee may become aggressive or violent. She recommended conducting a violence risk assessment before the meeting to determine whether additional precautions, such as having security personnel nearby or arranging seating so the employer has easy access to the exit, are necessary. She stressed that preparing for these situations helps ensure both effective communication and workplace safety.