Powerful Bystander Intervention Strategies to Deter Workplace Harassment

Workplace harassment is a serious issue that can have a negative impact on employees and the overall work environment. Bystander intervention is a powerful strategy that can help deter workplace harassment and create a positive workplace culture. In this article, we will explore the benefits of bystander intervention, strategies for effective intervention, and how to implement bystander intervention training in the workplace. By learning about and implementing bystander intervention strategies, you can help create a safer and more supportive workplace for yourself and your coworkers.

What is Bystander Intervention?

Bystander intervention is a strategy that one can take to support another person or coworker who has become the victim of workplace harassment. The definition of harassment is any unwelcome conduct that is based on protected characteristics such as race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, or disability. Being a bystander refers to observing something take place without interfering. When you stop watching from the sidelines and take action, you are engaging in bystander intervention.

Why Choose to be a Bystander?

When people observe something that they know is wrong, they may choose not to intervene for a variety of reasons. People might wait until someone else takes the initiative, or they worry that they will end up being the target themselves. However, being a silent observer of sexual harassment or other inappropriate behavior at work only contributes to a toxic atmosphere.

There are numerous methods to step in when an inappropriate interaction between coworkers occurs. No action is the wrong action. Circumstances involving verbal abuse, discrimination, or harassment are all distinct from one another. Consequently, many different strategies are required for active bystander intervention. Because of this, workplace training that incorporates a variety of bystander intervention techniques can help to change the culture of your workforce while fostering active allies.

Benefits of Bystander Intervention

There are a number of benefits to bystander intervention in the workplace. When an employee stands up for their coworker, it can improve morale and help create a positive and encouraging environment for everyone. When everyone is working together to make sure that others are respected, it can lead to a safe and inclusive workplace. This can result in higher productivity, better relationships between coworkers, and a better work experience for everyone.

Bystander intervention can help to prevent potential harm or danger in the workplace. When everyone is aware of their surroundings and is willing to take action to protect each other, it can lead to a safer work environment, including a reduced chance of discrimination, violence, and other issues that could potentially harm workers.

A positive culture is another huge benefit of bystander intervention in the workplace. When people are able to speak up and take action when they see something that could be harmful to someone else, it can help create a culture of respect, trust, and cooperation. This can lead to better communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, which can help to make the workplace a more enjoyable place to be.

Strategies for Bystander Intervention

If you choose to become an active bystander, the action you choose to take will depend on your comfort in the situation. There are a few different types of strategies for bystander intervention. Direct intervention is when a bystander steps in to stop or de-escalate a situation in which someone is at risk of harm. This includes intervening in an argument, talking to someone who appears to be in danger, or intervening in a physical altercation. It is important to assess the risk of potential harm before intervening and to consider the safety of everyone involved. If it appears safe to intervene, it is important to remain calm and use a non-confrontational approach.

Distracting is another powerful tool in bystander intervention. This involves the bystander drawing attention away from the situation and giving the person in danger an opportunity to leave. Distracting works best when the bystander is able to remain calm and can think of a distraction that will draw attention away from the situation. Examples of distractions include bringing up a new topic, asking a question, or even making a joke. Seeking assistance is another way bystanders can intervene in a situation. This involves seeking help from another person, and should only be done if it is safe to do so.

Implementing Bystander Intervention Training

By learning about and implementing bystander intervention strategies, you can help create a safer and more supportive workplace for yourself and your coworkers. Take the first step toward creating a positive workplace culture by advocating for and implementing bystander intervention training in your organization. EasyLlama’s Bystander Intervention course will equip employees to identify, address, and prevent harassment and discrimination in the workplace. To learn more about our interactive and engaging training methods, access your free course preview today!