Peninsula Canada has released its top 10 real-life workplace horror stories collected from calls received by its group companies this year, highlighting extraordinary challenges employers can face.
The stories, gathered from the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, were compiled by Kiljon Shukullari, HR advice manager, and include incidents ranging from employees attributing misconduct to spirits, to workplace violence involving weapons.
The ten cases are as follows:
The devil inside
An employee under investigation attributed inappropriate behaviour to instructions from the spirit world. They refused a company doctor visit, citing the spirits’ wishes, and insisted on being accompanied by a priest to meetings, which conflicted with company policy.
Clowning around
Colleagues played a practical joke on an employee with a fear of clowns. One hid under their desk wearing a clown mask, causing the employee significant distress and leading to absence due to stress and anxiety. A workplace investigation followed.
Hammer horror
An employee’s spouse arrived at the workplace, engaged in a heated argument and used a hammer to smash car windows in the company parking lot. The employer questioned their responsibility for repair costs and considered disciplinary action against the employee.
Slasher shocker
An employee was stabbed by a customer who had been asked to leave earlier due to disruptive behaviour. The employee survived but required extended medical leave, and the incident affected other employees’ well-being.
Animal farm
A farmer suspected an employee of animal abuse. An investigation after the employee’s broken arm revealed they had been riding farm animals and admitted to slapping a cow for “mooing in a bad tone.” The employee was dismissed.
Boo-berry pie
Workers at a bakery refused to work early shifts alone, citing a belief in a poltergeist. The employer completed lone-working risk assessments and brought in a priest to bless the building to reassure staff.
Pumpkin to talk about
An employee was dismissed for taking excessively long breaks without permission. They filed an unfair dismissal claim, alleging such behaviour was common practice. The claim was dismissed, and several employees were subsequently dismissed for time fraud.
Snakes alive
An employee called in sick due to their pet python escaping, expressing concern for their other pets’ safety. They also inquired about the company’s bereavement policy in case the snake harmed their pets.
Things that go bump in the night
An affair between two employees was discovered when the female employee took maternity leave amid rumours about the child’s paternity. The company owner, who was also the female employee’s parent, became emotionally involved.
Like a prayer
An employee set up a religious shrine at work and refused to remove it on religious grounds. They continued to preach and invited colleagues to a prayer group, which staff believed was an attempt to recruit them into a cult.