Individual actions
Although organisation-level interventions are the primary way to address bullying, discrimination or harassment in the workplace, individual bystanders can also play a powerful role.
Part of the Bullying, discrimination and harassment module.
Being a supportive bystander
Just as we have human rights, we also have responsibilities to respect and protect the rights of others.
A bystander is someone who sees or knows about someone being bullied, harassed or discriminated against. They can either be part of the problem or an important part of the solution. For example:
- Some bystanders take the side of the bully by laughing at the victim, encouraging the bully or passing on text messages or messages on social media.
- Some bystanders give silent approval or encourage the bully by looking on.
- Some bystanders may watch or know about the bullying but do not do anything. They may not know what to do or are scared. This group of bystanders knows that bullying is not okay.
- Some bystanders are supportive and take safe action to stop the bully, find help or support the victim.
When many people have seen an incident, people may be less likely to speak up because they assume others will raise a concern. It is important not to assume that others are taking action.
People who see bullying, harassment or discrimination in the workplace and say nothing are part of the problem. Saying something about it is part of the solution.
How supportive bystanders can help
A supportive bystander does something to help someone who is being bullied, harassed or discriminated against. Having supportive bystanders who are confident to act and support others makes it more likely that unacceptable behaviours will stop and the person being bullied can recover.
It is not always easy to know how to help or intervene. Here are some ideas about how supportive bystanders can help:
- Make it clear to friends and co-workers that they will not be involved in bullying behaviour.
- Never stand by and watch or encourage bullying behaviour.
- Do not harass, tease or spread gossip about others.
- Never forward or respond to messages or photos that may be offensive or upsetting.
- Support the person who is being bullied to ask for help (for example, help them find where to go for help).
- Report bullying to someone in authority.
This content has been adapted from content created by the Australian Human Rights Commission with permission