Reference no: EM132964192

You are in-house employment counsel at the Stiller Company. Mary is an employee in your company. She has been a valuable employee and one of the most respected experts in her field. You notice lately, though, that she is more reserved and is absent quite a bit. You frequently hear her quietly crying or having a fight with someone on the phone. She is a bit jumpy while she is at work, always looking over her shoulder when she goes somewhere. 

 You ask her to lunch one day and voice your concern. Mary says she is having some problems at home, but that they are is nothing to worry about; she can handle them herself. Several weeks later, you notice that Mary's fear has escalated. She rarely leaves the building. When she must leave, she moves quickly, always covering her face. She works erratic hours. Her fear is really beginning to affect everyone at work. You are all concerned for her, but don't know what is going on. You begin to wonder if a real danger exists, both to Mary and to the rest of the employees.

• Do you believe this is a situation that requires further action? Why or why not?
• What are the appropriate interventions in this situation? Think about those things that various people in the company can do (Mary's supervisor, coworkers, security staff, Human Resources, any other company employees).
• Are there protections that should be considered for Mary? For other employees?