This is unfortunately not uncommon, but it’s usually related to a termination. This is the first time I have seen this relating to a 401(k) plan, but it doesn’t surprise me.

Over the last 18 months we have seen spike in employee calls requesting loans and hardships. We have full time associates that take pride in being courteous, respectful, and timely when employees need assistance. Over the past 20 years we have learned from working with clients in our HR outsourcing business the importance of working to minimize conflict, especially when dealing with terminations and other sensitive issues like denying a hardship request.

Unfortunately, some employees will remain irate regardless of how the situation is handled. Associates should be sensitive to distinguish between employee that is upset vs. irate or threatening. When the latter occurs employers should have a plan of action to maximize the security of their associates.

I would like to think that these tragedies could be avoided if best practices where followed, but realize that in some cases people just unexpectedly go off the deep end. My thoughts and prayers are with these people, what a waste..

http://www.wbir.com/news/national/story.aspx?storyid=110005&provider=gnews