In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss insider risk with Mark Grimes, Certified Threat Manager and owner of 23 Risk LLC. Topics include how HR and business leaders can minimize insider risk, additional scrutiny in the interviewing and selection process, and mistakes companies make in this area.

Susan starts off the podcast with a chilling statistic – over 48% of professionals have experienced workplace violence according to a 2019 SHRM survey. Mark walks us through the downward spiral that often proceeds workplace violence and lays out 23 Risk’s reasons for preferring the term “Insider Risk” instead of “Insider Threat.”

Seemingly benign incidents can often be huge red flags and indicators of brewing problems. Insider Risk can manifest itself in several ways, from intellectual property theft to workplace violence, what Mark calls a “spectrum of deviance.” The most important thing you can do as an HR professional or business leader to mitigate Insider Risk? Get out in front of it. Oftentimes, people bring baggage with them to their very first interview with your company, so keeping your eyes open from the initial screening process is of the utmost importance.

If you are creating valuable intellectual property, that IP is at risk of being stolen. It is important to be incredibly careful when employees with access to that data part ways with the company under negative circumstances. Mark lays an important check list to help mitigate the risk at termination, as most of these incidents happen within 30 days of termination.

Possibly the most important thing to note, says Mark, if someone is threatening violence, take them at their word. De-escalation is not enough in this situation. It is important to have a plan in place for situations like these, because workplace violence can happen to you.

For the listener question, JoDee and Susan a question every job searcher finds themselves asking: do I *really* need a cover letter? HR professionals seem split on the subject, so JoDee and Susan give some advice on how to navigate this time-consuming portion of the job search. In the news, the ladies talk about an option that has been becoming more and more prevalent for professionals – working remotely.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Purple Ink
• Susan Tinder White Consulting
• JoyPowered^®: Intentionally Creating an Inspired Workspace by JoDee Curtis
• The JoyPowered^® Family by JoDee Curtis and Denise McGonigal
• The JoyPowered^® Team by Erin Brothers, JoDee Curtis, Peggy Hogan, Denise McGonigal, Laura North, Susan Tinder White, and Liz Zirkelbach
• SHRM Workplace Violence Survey
• 23 Risk LLC
• “Working Remotely Is the New Norm for Developers”

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