As the old police saying goes, “if you see something, say something.” Bystanders play a crucial role in helping to prevent workplace harassment.
All employees should be trained on how to recognize harassment, and the issues that can lead to those behaviours. Employees should be trained on how to get involved safely, without putting themselves or anyone else in danger. They should learn how to safely call out harassment before it escalates. They should also be trained in how to support victims of harassment, as well as vulnerable employees in general.
Most importantly though, employees must be trained on how they can safely report witnessing a colleague being victimized by workplace harassment. Victims themselves may be too frightened to come forward, especially if the harasser is in a position of power, so sometimes a bystander coming forward is the only way to make the situation better.
