The Importance of Active Bystander Training

In today’s workplace, especially given the recent legislation changes in the Equality act, maintaining a safe and inclusive environment is more important than ever and Active Bystander Training supports that goal. With diverse teams, varied backgrounds, and a complex set of interactions between employees, issues such as harassment, discrimination, and bullying can arise. While HR departments and managers are vital in addressing these concerns, employees themselves also play a crucial role in shaping workplace culture.

When we focus on enabling our people to become more accountable for the behaviours in the workplace, we almost immediately see the benefits:

1. It prevents harassment and discrimination

Harassment and discrimination in the workplace can lead to lower morale, higher turnover, and even legal and financial ramifications for the company.  Studies have shown that when bystanders intervene, incidents of harassment or bullying are less likely to continue. The mere presence of someone willing to step in or report harmful behaviour can deter perpetrators from acting. Active Bystanders act as a deterrent to negative behaviour, making the workplace safer for everyone.

2. It increases employee well-being and engagement

When workplace harassment, bullying, or discrimination go unaddressed, employees may feel unsafe or excluded, leading to burnout, disengagement, and increased turnover. Supporting your people to be more active in their response to harassment sends a clear message that your company values respect, inclusion, and fairness. It fosters an environment where individuals feel safe to speak up about any issues they face or witness. This sense of safety and support leads to improved morale and overall well-being for all employees.

3. It enhances diversity and inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords – they are essential elements of a thriving workplace. A diverse workforce brings different perspectives, skills, and experiences that can enhance creativity and innovation. However, in order to create a truly inclusive environment, everyone must feel respected and valued. Active bystander training helps ensure that individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics, are treated with respect. This, in turn, contributes to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

4. It promotes a culture of accountability

One of the most significant challenges in addressing workplace misconduct is breaking the silence around inappropriate behaviour. Many employees may be reluctant to speak up for fear of retaliation, making their peers hesitant to take action as well. This is where active bystander training plays a pivotal role; it encourages a shift in workplace culture from silence to responsibility. When employees are empowered to act as active bystanders, they help create a culture where inappropriate behaviour is not tolerated, and individuals feel compelled to hold each other accountable.

5. It improves leadership

Finally, Active Bystander training doesn’t just benefit employees, it’s crucial for managers and leaders as well. In fact, leadership plays a key role in setting the tone for workplace culture. When leaders are trained to recognise harmful behaviour and intervene appropriately, they can model positive behaviours for their teams. Moreover, managers and HR professionals are often the first people employees turn to when they need help navigating a conflict or reporting an incident. By incorporating active bystander training into leadership development, organisations can equip leaders with the skills to address incidents of harassment, bullying, or discrimination.

One way we are empowering employees and helping them become active participants in creating a respectful and supportive work environment is through our Active Bystander Training.

This training equips employees with the tools and confidence to intervene when they witness inappropriate behaviour, whether it’s subtle microaggressions or overt harassment.

The training focuses on:

• Recognising inappropriate behaviour: Identifying everything from overt harassment to subtler forms of bias, exclusion, or microaggressions.
• Intervention techniques: Learning ways to safely intervene, whether directly addressing the person engaging in harmful behaviour, offering support to the victim, or seeking help from appropriate channels.
• Building a culture of responsibility: Encouraging individuals to take personal responsibility for addressing harmful behavior in the workplace.
• Practicing empathy and support: Understanding the emotional and psychological impact of harmful behaviour and offering emotional support to those who are affected.

Active bystander training is a powerful tool for fostering a safer, more inclusive, and respectful workplace. Organisations that invest in this type of training are not only protecting their employees but also fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.