How Should Employers Approach Bystander Intervention Training?

In the #MeToo era, employers know that they must prioritize and promote anti-harassment training for their staff. However, it's not always enough to explain what constitutes harassment and what its consequences are. According to experts, it's also essential to discuss bystander intervention and encourage employees to speak up when they see or hear of an abusive situation happening in the workplace.

We asked a panel of Forbes Human Resources Council members about how and why leaders should include bystander intervention training in their onboarding programs. Here's what they had to say.

1. Include A Plan To Protect Employees From Retribution

Bystander intervention training can be an effective way for organizations to empower employees who witness inappropriate exchanges between coworkers. However, the hierarchy between supervisors and employees could leave those who intervene in fear of retribution. Therefore, employers who implement this training should ensure clear instructions to protect employees’ safety and anonymity. - John Feldmann, Insperity

 

2. Create The Expectation Of Bystander Intervention

Training only goes so far when it comes to behavior. Bystander intervention needs to become an expectation and part of an organization’s culture. This starts with leadership setting the example and maintaining a no-tolerance policy. Be explicit about what this means and what it looks like to intervene as a bystander. - Lotus Yon, NCH

3. Train Staff To Feel Safe And Empowered To Step In

Bystander intervention training is a vital part of a comprehensive inclusion strategy. Intervention is a key step in the accountability process. Well-intentioned policies and programs will fall short if accountability is not embedded in the expected behavior. Staff should be trained and feel safe and empowered to step in for each other and to bring issues forward for further resolution. - Lucy Rivas-Enriquez, Union Rescue Mission - Los Angeles

4. Make Bystander Intervention A Primary Component Of Anti-Harassment Training

Effective harassment prevention training must include bystander intervention. The EEOC estimates 90% of sexual harassment incidents go unreported, often because of shame, isolation, and fear of retaliation strike both victims and bystanders. To change this, companies must empower victims and bystanders to let their voices be heard and end the isolation that gives abusers control. - Cameron Bishop, SkillPath

5. Foster An Environment Of Shared Responsibility

What type of environment do you wish to foster? If the answer is inclusive and harassment-free, both the organization and the employee share responsibility. Bystander intervention isn’t about doing away with traditional training or reporting methods. It moves the organization beyond legal and policy compliance to build a culture where individuals are empowered to deter potential misconduct. - Dr. Kelly Lum, Highgate