Harassment Isn't a Spectator Sport: Bystander Training to Make a Difference.

Workplace harassment remains a widespread and damaging issue. From sexual harassment to bullying and discrimination, these toxic behaviors can create a hostile work environment. They cause significant harm to victims' well-being, undermine productivity, and promote toxic work cultures. While much emphasis is placed on the perpetrators and the employers, the role of bystanders is often overlooked. Harassment isn't a spectator sport.

Bystanders hold immense power when it comes to interrupting and preventing workplace harassment. When I was a teacher I taught my class about being an “Upstander” (coined by an American Journalist named Samantha Power in 2002, and added to the dictionary in 2016). an “Upstander” is someone who speaks or acts in support of an individual or cause, particularly someone who intervenes on behalf of a person being attacked or bullied. Now that I think about it, empowering children to be “Upstanders” since basically birth is one of the many things that contribute to the innate desire Gen Z and Millennials have to make the world a better place. Why aren’t we training that being an “Upstander” helps prevent hostile environments at work? Our kids are learning it at school. By understanding the dynamics at play and knowing how to intervene effectively, everyday employees and students can become empowered to stand up or be "upstanders" who foster a culture of respect and accountability. Bullying doesn’t stop when you graduate from High School. It sticks around and at times turns into sexual harassment and discrimination.

The Power of Bystander Intervention

The presence of engaged bystanders is a hugely influential factor in determining whether harassment will continue or escalate. When bystanders intervene, they send a clear message that the behavior is unacceptable. The support of the target puts pressure on the perpetrator to stop. Bystanders who speak up also help shift workplace culture over time. By normalizing intervention, they inspire others to follow suit and create an environment where harassment is less likely to be tolerated and take place. If what we allow, is what continues… than if it's not socially acceptable and it's not ignored, it's more likely to stop?

Overcoming Barriers to Action

There are some barriers bystanders may need to overcome that can prevent them from intervening. The fear of negative consequences such as retaliation, social ostracization, or jeopardizing their job are real. There is also the idea or belief harassment is a "private matter." It's not a private matter, it's a toxic behavior that creates a hostile environment for the victim and the entire workplace.

Some bystanders may feel uncertain about how to respond. They may doubt their ability to diffuse the situation or worry their intervention won't be welcome. In hierarchical workplaces, there may be a reluctance to challenge the behavior of superiors or high-performing employees.

Effective Bystander Intervention Strategies

Bystanders have a range of options to interrupt workplace harassment. A subtle intervention like pulling the target aside or distracting the perpetrator may be appropriate in some cases. In other scenarios, a more direct confrontation may be warranted, such as calling out the unacceptable behavior or reporting the incident.

Regardless of the approach, the key is for bystanders to act quickly, prioritize the target's safety, and avoid escalating the situation unnecessarily. It's critical bystanders offer ongoing support to ensure the issue is properly addressed. Because what we allow, is what continues.

By equipping employees with the knowledge and confidence to intervene effectively, organizations cultivate a culture of collective responsibility where everyone plays a role in prevention. It's everyone's responsibility to intervene and look out for one another.

The Business Case for Adding Bystander Training to Harassment Trainings

To empower more bystanders, employers should invest in comprehensive training programs that cover bystander training so they can recognize warning signs, understand barriers to action, and practice effective response strategies.

Beyond education, it's important to foster an environment where bystander action is encouraged and rewarded. Make it clear that those who speak up will be supported. Find ways to show appreciation for those who stand up to harassment in a way that resonates with your company's values.

The benefits extend beyond reducing harassment. Workplaces with strong bystander cultures tend to have higher employee engagement, morale, productivity, and well-being. By empowering staff to look out for one another, organizations can build a more cohesive, collaborative, and respectful team.

Your Role as an "Upstander"

While intervening may feel daunting, the personal and professional rewards of being an "upstander" make it worthwhile. You'll have a direct, positive impact on your colleagues, and experience a sense of fulfillment from taking a stand. Your actions can inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that transforms workplace culture. As more bystanders find the courage to speak up, harassment will become less tolerated, and targets will feel empowered to report misconduct.

Ultimately, we all have a responsibility to cultivate respectful, inclusive workplaces – and bystanders hold the key. By understanding the dynamics and arming themselves with effective strategies, employees can become powerful allies in the fight against harassment.