What can HR learn from this Tim Horton employee incident?

There’s a fine line between a heated argument in the communal kitchen to a full-blown row and eventual arrest

What can HR learn from this Tim Horton employee incident?

Disputes in the workplace can often turn ugly. However, there’s a fine line between a heated argument in the communal kitchen to a full-blown row and eventual arrest.

A Tim Hortons employee found this out the hard way, after an enraged customer threw her own feces at them in a fit of anger.

Workers at the iconic Canadian coffee chain called the Royal Canadian Mounted Police after an argument ensued between staff and a customer. The incident is now under investigation.

In a statement released to the media, a Tim Horton’s spokesperson highlighted the plight of employees in instances such as these.

“We strive to create a welcoming environment for all of our guests and the communities we serve," the statement read. "We are deeply concerned by this video as the safety of our team members and guests is always a top priority for us."

Safeguarding employee wellbeing in the workplace should be of the upmost importance to HR leaders, as is fostering a culture of openness and transparency.

We recently spoke to Jeff Manchester, a strategic advisor, who revealed the key to fostering authentic leadership throughout the entire organization.

“What we’ve found is that a key to the true success of unlocking all the potential in an organization is to foster that same leadership, talent and capabilities in everybody who’s working for them,” he explained.

“We’re all leaders at some level. And if I’m not tapping in to every one of the gifts that my team mates bring, then I’m not bringing out the best of our organization.

“I think it takes a certain vulnerability for a leader to be able to step back a bit, and lead from behind, whilst encouraging his team to come forward with thoughts and idea.”

 

Related stories:
Indeed's SVP reveals why HR should never fear AI
Major employer launches autism at work program

Recent articles & video

Manitoba government reinstates 1:1 apprenticeship ratio

Two-thirds of Canadian organizations expecting cybersecurity incident

Training leaders to address chronic pain issues

Employee relocation to another province

Most Read Articles

Province introducing paid sick leave as of Oct. 1

Lecturer fired for misogynistic paper published in his name

Ottawa limiting employers’ access to Temporary Foreign Worker Program