31 Creepy Situations That People Have Faced While At Work

Finding a perfect job may be quite a challenging thing for most people. While some of us get lucky and find our dream job on the first try, many people have to put in a lot more effort and time.

But in both cases, you never know what to expect on a daily bases while you are at work or what unexpected circumstances could happen to you. Every day can be a new adventure.

Working the perfect job cannot protect you from life happening. And you know that everyday life can be very complex.

So when a Reddit user, going by the name u/ThePugMan123, asked people, "What's the creepiest/disturbing thing that has happened to you at work?" it caused an avalanche of responses.

People opened up and shared their stories. Although some of the answers were pretty scary, at least it can benefit other people as an example to prevent themselves from the same mistakes.

From almost 1000 answers, we have chosen the creepiest ones to show you what really happened to some people. But don't worry, they got over it and now want to share their wisdom further.

And if you want to share your own unpleasant experience, you can share it with us in the comment section below.

1. "The creepy man was arrested for kidnapping, assaulting and torturing a woman from the next town over."

"I worked 4pm to midnight at a mill in a small town. Very physical work so there were way more men than women....

One night there was a guy from the department connected to mine who would stand in the doorway closest to my machine and just watch. After a few nights of this happening I told my manager.

The guy didn't watch me for about a week and then I noticed he would frequently walk by or linger by other machines. I would do my best to ignore him and stay aware of my surroundings.

Well after a month of asking for management to do something about and them not this guy approached me and asked me for a ride home. I told him no and asked him to stop coming near my job bc he was making me uncomfortable.

A coworker would walk me to my car each night just to be safe and wouldn't ya know that same guy was leaning up against my vehicle. He walked away when he saw my coworker with me.

A few days later this happened again when I was alone (coworker wasn't there) so I walked back in the building to find someone to walk with me. The next day while at the local grocery store this man pulls up behind me and blocks me in.

I lock my doors and rolled my windows up. My vehicle is 2003 so no electric windows or locks.

My 2 kids were with me so I grabbed my work scissors from my console and he came to my window claiming something was wrong with the back of my vehicle and I needed to get out to see it. I told him no and to leave and started honking my horn to draw attention.

Then he left. Fast forward two weeks, the creepy man was arrested for kidnapping, assaulting and torturing a woman from the next town over.

Him and his brother were caught and arrested. They held her for 3 weeks before they were caught."

Sad-Implement-3181

2. "Sexually harassed and ultimately fired after complaining."

"Sexually harassed and ultimately fired after complaining. I was a 16 year old high school student (and male).

This was in 96-97 and no one cared until I told my mom and she told me it was sexual harassment. I now know why women keep that stuff secret.

The shame and embarrassment I felt was insane. Thanks for helping me, mom!"

ashe101ashe

3. "I turned and looked at this man who was completely naked and bleeding from two places holding his wrist"

"I remember working as a security guard for a hospital. I watched certificate of need patients.

These were patients from our local asylum who were completely out of their mind. I did my third shift ever for that company watching a guy who had picked up some pencils and stabbed a worker with it a couple times before turning a fresh one on himself and stabbing his own stomach six times.

I took the third shift 7pm to 7am. All I did was sit in the hallway outside his door in a mostly dead wing of the ICU.

I maybe saw one person an hour. It was just me in a chair in the middle of a dead hallway for 12 hours of the night. I'm freshly 18 at this point and had little experience with anything like this.

I made it to about 3am before passing out in my chair outside his door. I was awoken by the guy I was watching himself.

He had broken his own wrist to slip out of the handcuffs keeping him on the bed. He ripped his catheter and I.V. out.

He tapped me on my shoulder to wake me up. I turned and looked at this man who was completely naked and bleeding from two places holding his wrist and he just said "I need to pee"

I decided to try and play it off like everything was normal as to not escalate the situation. I walked him to the bathroom and immediately called my CO while he was inside.

My CO got there before he got out and we used restraints to put him back on the bed. Nurses came back in and set him back up.

My CO, not knowing that I fell asleep, said I did the right thing and that I'd do great at the job. He said he needed more people like me who didn't panic in situations like that and make things worse.

I thanked him and then left at 7am.... I never came back to do another shift for that security company.

I'm so lucky he didn't use his I.V. to stab me in the neck while I was sleeping."

Notthesharkfromjaws

The Impact of Work Environment on Mental Health

The work environment plays a crucial role in shaping employees' mental health and overall well-being. Research from the American Psychological Association indicates that negative workplace experiences, such as bullying or harassment, can lead to chronic stress and burnout. This can manifest through various psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and decreased job satisfaction.

Moreover, environments that lack support systems can exacerbate feelings of isolation and helplessness among employees. A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that supportive work relationships significantly buffer the adverse effects of job stressors, promoting resilience and job engagement.

4. "I was freaked out"

"When I was 15 I worked in retail and an older man (probably 40s) was following me around sizing me up. I seriously did laps around the store just to see if he really was following.

Eventually fed up I said (politely) “can I help you with something”, and he said “maybe. What time do you get off work?”

I laughed thinking it was a joke and just dead stared at me, “what time do you get off? Will it be dark?”

I told him it was none of his business and he said “well you want to help me don’t you?” And he wrapped his arm around my waist.

My co-worker, a man around his age, saw what was happening and “assaulted” the dude, punched him in the face and swore him out of the store. He wrote the guys license plate down and said he didn’t hear the conversation but I looked scared, and he asked if I wanted the cops called.

I was freaked out and didn’t want to acknowledge it even happened so I said no. Regret that every day.

Who knows how many people he did that to after."

DayleNyx

5. "He stared into my face for a few seconds, then got up and left the house"

"When I was about 22 (F) I worked at a group home for developmentally disabled individuals. The house manager was a man named Mark.

Mark had some kind of god complex. He was mad that I had my time off to visit family in Oregon approved by the main office - he didn’t want to find someone to cover.

He had weeks to plan. He told me I couldn’t go.

I told him the time was approved and I WAS going to go. He wordlessly picked me up and slung me over his shoulder like a rag doll, walked quickly to a client’s bedroom, and slammed me down on the bed.

He stared into my face for a few seconds, then got up and left the house. Worst part?

I never told any higher-ups, and only told my boyfriend years later after it was far, far too late. Why? I still wonder why."

speckled_dodo_egg

6. "A guy came in looking frantic and desperately asking us how to get a LOT of blood out of concrete"

"I worked at Home Depot and a guy came in looking frantic and desperately asking us how to get a LOT of blood out of concrete. Took him a bit, but he finally explained that he did not in fact murder someone.

He was a contractor working on a house nearby and one of his guys had tried to rip a 2x4 down the middle and had instead ripped his hand and a good portion of his lower arm down the middle. The guy was carted off to the hospital and the contractor was desperate to get it all cleaned up before the homeowner got back.

There were pictures, both of the guy's arm and the general carnage of the scene."

Katy-L-Wood

Surprisingly, even seemingly small incidents can escalate into larger psychological issues if left unaddressed. According to a meta-analysis of workplace stressors, prolonged exposure to even minor stressful events can accumulate, leading to more significant mental health problems over time. This highlights the importance of addressing workplace grievances early on and fostering an open dialogue about mental health.

In practical terms, organizations should consider implementing regular mental health check-ins and creating avenues for employees to voice their concerns. By prioritizing mental well-being proactively, companies can reduce turnover rates and foster a healthier work environment.

7. "He turns just right so I can see that he's got a gun of some sort tucked in his waistband."

"So I work for a company on the second floor of the building. There's an elevator in the lobby, but you can't get to the second floor without a code.

There's a Ring camera & guests can buzz up to the receptionist to be let in. One day, the receptionist goes out for lunch & she asks me to watch the Ring for her while I'm out.

I say okay. During my watch, the Ring goes off.

I answer & it's a gentleman in his mid-30s. I ask him how I can help.

He asks if he can speak to someone in management. I ask what about - he mentions he has a complaint about one of the stores our company owns.

Rewind to a few days earlier, I happen to have spoken earlier in the week to that store's manager who told me a story of a guy they had to kick out for being creepy around kids... I won't go into detail, but I'll just say what he was doing was technically legal, but still very creepy.

Anyway, I'm curious about the guy so I do a little sleuthing, figure out who the guy is, and look him up on social media. Back to the visitor downstairs at my office: it's the same creepy guy - I just happened to recognize him since I'm a nosy SOB.

I stall for time, telling him I'm locating the appropriate management to meet with him, and while I'm watching him on the Ring, he turns just right so I can see that he's got a gun of some sort tucked in his waistband. I call 911.

Cops arrive immediately. He does have a concealed carry permit, but we do have a "no firearm" sign posted out front, and the cops ask him what he's doing bringing a gun to an office building.

In the end, they sent him on his way and nothing really happened, but it makes me wonder what would've happened if I hadn't been answering the Ring that day."

wakbat

8. "After a couple hours the police showed and arrested him."

"About a year ago I was at work, it was early, like 5 AM and we were setting up to open. There was a new maintenance guy going around, changing empty trash bags, and mopping random spots that didn't need it.

After a couple hours the police showed and arrested him. He had murdered 2 people in the middle of the night was thought he could dodge arrest by pretending to be a maintenance cleaner."

psydkay

9. "Probably should have handed it over to the police but he was too scared to be implicated."

anon

Coping with Unpredictability in the Workplace

Unpredictable situations at work can trigger a fight-or-flight response, activating the body's stress response system. Research conducted by Dr. Richard Lazarus, a prominent figure in stress and coping theory, emphasizes that effective coping strategies can mitigate the negative effects of such stressors. According to Lazarus, individuals who adopt problem-focused coping strategies—such as seeking support or problem-solving—tend to experience lower levels of stress and anxiety.

Moreover, studies show that cognitive appraisal plays a crucial role in how employees perceive and respond to unpredictable situations. By reframing their thoughts and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, employees can significantly improve their resilience.

10. "The look in her eye of fear and confusion has really stuck with me"

eddyj84

11. "He would only allow women technicians in his house"

"I work for a tv/internet company and we had a guy who would say that he would only allow women technicians in his house. At the time, we had very few working in my area and we certainly weren't going to send one out anyways.

We did have a manager tech who was a woman who called him and said "sure. I'll be right out." (She's tough in general) Still wasn't leaving anything up to chance, so I rode out with her as her "trainee" for that job.

He was none too happy."

ehandlr

12. "I calmly told her to get her hands off me or I would beat her unconscious"

"This doesn’t really compare to most, but I’m from and lived all my life in TX. I moved to Boca Raton, FL for a year to get clean when I was 18.

I was working at an assistant manager at a party city. Some Karen New Yorker reached across the counter and grabbed my shirt and pulled me forward because she was pissed off about something and she “wanted to see my name tag.”

I could not believe it. Nobody would do that from where I was from and not expect trouble.

When the shock wore off, I calmly told her to get her hands off me or I would beat her unconscious. She looked at me like I had ten heads."

PappyStrangeLife

Moreover, it's essential to recognize the psychological concept of locus of control when dealing with unexpected workplace situations. Research indicates that individuals with an internal locus of control—those who believe they can influence their outcomes—tend to cope more effectively with stress compared to those with an external locus, who feel at the mercy of outside forces. This understanding can empower employees to take proactive steps in addressing workplace challenges rather than feeling overwhelmed by them.

Organizations can encourage this internal locus of control by providing training on problem-solving and resilience-building, fostering a culture where employees feel capable of navigating unexpected challenges.

13. "Man we f****d out of their quick"

"I’m a realtor and showed a creepy old 19th-century Victorian home (think the Addam Family house) on Halloween night. It was one building but originally two units which had since been conjoined so it was a real maze.

Multiple kitchens and living rooms, easy to get turned around. It was a foreclosure with no power so we only had our phones to light the way.

Foreclosures always have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors chirping away due to low batteries. But this house had ones that said “low battery” in a mechanical voice.

But the battery was so low it came out like “llllooooowwww baaaaaattttteeeerrryyy” in a dying robot voice. So there we were, three of us on Halloween night inside a dark home that’s creepy at noon in July getting all turned around then somewhere we hear “llllooooowwww baaaaaattttteeeerrryyy.”

Man we f****d out of their quick."

PrinceHarming

14. "I could literally see his hearth beat in the blood that was pulsing out of him"

Cyb0-K4T-77

15. "When the doors opened on my floor I was met by an armed police officer"

"Was working for the day in a government building I hadn’t visited before. Our company had one floor in it that I was told was the last floor in use.

The company were planning to vacate at the end of the year. At lunchtime I decided to explore and got off the elevator on a random floor.

It was an open plan office. All the desks still had work on them and a large table still had the remains of a party.

Paper plates and food. A lot of the desks had slices of cake sat on them untouched.

A party banner was still up that said CONGRATULATIONS. One office was open and the walls were covered with X-ray slides of different people.

Every surface covered with more on the floor. To my untrained eye they all seemed to have large shadows growing in them.

Weird. This was years before social media or camera phones so I had another quick look around and got back in the elevator.

When the doors opened on my floor I was met by an armed police officer (this was London and seeing an armed cop was very rare)who asked me why I’d been on the other floor. I told him I was just curious and on my lunch break and he warned me that I was only allowed access to this floor and to not break protocol again.

No one in the office I was visiting knew anything about it. No one had ever seen police there or ever explored the other floors."

MikeSizemore

The Role of Fear in Workplace Dynamics

Fear is a significant factor that shapes workplace behavior and dynamics. A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that fear of job loss or negative consequences can stifle creativity and innovation. This fear often leads to a culture of silence where employees refrain from sharing ideas or concerns, ultimately hampering organizational growth.

Dr. Amy Edmondson, a professor at Harvard Business School, emphasizes the importance of psychological safety within teams. When employees feel safe to express their thoughts without fear of retribution, it cultivates an environment where learning and collaboration thrive.

16. "I never told him where I worked"

"There was a dude I was supposed to meet up with from fetlife. Years ago.

*Spoiler; f**k that site* I got real creepy bad vibes from just his texts, so I said no two days before he was going to be in town. He was pissed.

Took on a shift that night at a store I worked at and during the whole day he sent me texts trying to convince me to meet up with him. He texts me, "Wow you look really great in that orange dress!!"

I never told him where I worked. Never even saw him because I was working.

I called him out on it and threatened to have security called on him if he got any closer. Then tried to convince me to meet him at a local WALMART where he was hanging out with his little NEPHEW for a few hours because he didn't have a car and his brother drove him!!

So many red flags!! Never agreed to ANY of this.

Had security walk me to my car after my shift. Never saw him again (that I know of).

Blocked him after I drove home with countless ridiculous detours."

ASilentLibrarian

17. "I was incredibly creeped out"

"There was a dad from my son's school who found out where I worked, what car was mine and that I was going through a divorce. He asked me out and I said no.

After I said no, (I said no and gave absolutely no hope for any future dates/conversation/contact. I said NO) he started showing up at my job to see me and cornering me so I couldn't get away. A couple work friends would see him coming and send me off to the staff room to get me away from him.

He left flowers on my car while I was at work. I was incredibly creeped out and a single mom with young children.

I got a guy from work to stay by my side as often as he could and after awhile of seeing work guy around me, stalker guy started to leave me alone."

SkepchickGamer

18. "One of the parents was in the lobby and played a “prank” on me."

"I worked at a bank. We were giving kids a tour.

One of the parents was in the lobby and played a “prank” on me. He passed me a note and pretended he was robbing me.

I hadn’t seen him before he did this, and for about 10-15 seconds I thought we were being robbed with a boatload of children behind the counter."

cruisethevistas

To combat fear-based dynamics, organizations can implement practices that promote psychological safety. This might include regular feedback sessions, team-building exercises, and an open-door policy for leadership. By creating a safe space for dialogue, companies can help employees feel more secure in sharing their thoughts and ideas, fostering a culture of innovation.

Moreover, training leaders to recognize and mitigate fear-based responses can transform workplace dynamics and enhance overall morale.

19. "Lots of paper work to say the least"

Capitalist_MEMER

20. "Overtime his interactions with me got creepier"

100percentapplejuice

21. "I was a minor at the time"

Simple-Mood-4981

The Importance of Social Support

Social support at work can significantly buffer the effects of stress and create a more resilient workforce. Research from the University of Michigan shows that employees with strong social ties at work report higher job satisfaction and lower levels of stress. This underscores the importance of fostering interpersonal relationships in professional settings.

Additionally, social support plays a pivotal role during times of crisis or unexpected challenges. A study in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that employees who perceived high levels of support from their colleagues experienced less emotional exhaustion during stressful periods.

22. "I did not feel safe there."

"I was living and working at a commune, a farm and restaurant in one. I had been there for quite some time, and the owner started insinuating that I was castrated, and that the whole world was some kind of sect that functions around prostitution.

He also started hinting towards cannibalism at this place, and that human meat was to be compared to pork... There was "someone" of his "acquaintances" that, during one of the dinners, started talking about how "traditionally" pigs are castrated because of how the testosterone made the meat taste "bad".

They also kept on talking about guns, and they kept bringing guns around to the area. I did not feel safe there."

Massive-Ad7628

23. A professional blackmailer:

SuvenPan

24. "The atmosphere was rather eery"

"I work for a school. 3 active shooters response events.

Only one turned out to be an actual immediate threat and the guy was arrested before anything bad happened. But the atmosphere was rather eery.

The campus was deserted with the exception of a couple dozen cops in full gear looking for the suspect and helicopters overhead."

NotTodayMaybeNever

Organizations should actively encourage social connections among employees, perhaps through team-building activities or regular informal gatherings. Creating a sense of community can enhance emotional well-being and lead to more productive work environments. Furthermore, mentors and peer support programs can provide additional layers of social support, helping employees navigate the complexities of their roles.

These initiatives not only promote positive mental health but also contribute to stronger team cohesion and collaboration.

25. "I felt very sad for him, but also unsafe at that moment."

SeveralFools

26. "I was honestly so shocked at the entire situation that I didn’t know what to do."

desolateconstruct

27. "Caught someone recording/photographing me under the bathroom stall."

shmee59

Navigating Workplace Trauma

Workplace trauma can take many forms, from witnessing a traumatic event to experiencing prolonged exposure to high-stress situations. According to clinical psychologist Dr. Judith Herman, trauma can profoundly affect individuals, leading to feelings of helplessness and a loss of control. Understanding this can help organizations better support their employees who may be experiencing trauma-related symptoms.

Studies show that trauma-informed approaches in the workplace can significantly improve employee well-being and productivity. Organizations that prioritize trauma-informed care create environments that acknowledge the impact of trauma and offer appropriate resources and support.

28. "The scariest experience I have had…"

"I worked gy in a hospital pharmacy…and it was just me and one other running it for the hospital and we’d like to turn off like 80% of the lights because hospital lights are offending to the eyes, especially during hours your body normally would want to sleep…

well, I came into the pharmacy after delivering something and I saw my coworker in the medication pick area… which was enclosed and only had one way in or out..

and I was talking to him about something that had happened on the floor literally seeing him like look at the medications as I was talking but then my coworker goes “What?” And he poked his head out from all the way in the back of the pharmacy…

and I looked back and there wasn’t anyone in the med pick area.. I 100% saw someone standing there and talked to them for a few min…

the pharmacy was located in the basement… along with the morgue…

and it’s locked.. only pharmacy employees have access to the hospital pharmacy…

not even security has access…. The scariest experience I have had…

I told a coworker about it when morning shift came in and she told me a week prior her water bottle started moving from a dead standstill."

No-Funny1624

29. "It was very disturbing"

CosmicQueen14

30. The stalking guy.

Jazz_Baranova

Practical steps organizations can take include providing training for managers on recognizing signs of trauma and creating policies that prioritize mental health support. Offering access to counseling services and fostering an environment where employees feel safe discussing their experiences can facilitate healing and promote resilience.

Additionally, implementing mindfulness practices in the workplace can provide employees with valuable tools for managing stress and trauma, enhancing overall well-being.

31. But it's about lunch...

VTX1800F

You can never know what kind of unpredictable circumstances can happen to you while you are at work, but with these stories, you can be prepared for at least some of them. Although these experiences were not pleasant for people who participated in them, they shared their stories online to help other people if they needed it.

Expert Opinion

The situations described highlight the profound impact that workplace dynamics can have on mental health. When employees encounter harassment or threatening behavior, it triggers a stress response that can lead to feelings of helplessness and anxiety. This reveals the importance of fostering a culture of psychological safety, where individuals feel empowered to report concerns without fear of retaliation, ultimately promoting a healthier work environment.

Dr Aaron Mills

Psychologist

Moving Forward: Actionable Steps

In conclusion, the unpredictable nature of the workplace can present challenges that affect mental health and job satisfaction. Understanding the psychological principles at play—such as the importance of social support, coping strategies, and psychological safety—can empower both employees and organizations to navigate these challenges effectively.

By adopting proactive measures and fostering a supportive work environment, businesses can enhance employee resilience and well-being. Ultimately, it's about creating a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health and encourages open communication, leading to a healthier, more productive workforce.