Engaging the Target
There are many techniques for engaging the target of microaggressions, discrimination, and harassment. However, there are also situations when intervening by engaging the target might not be a good idea.
Engaging the Target May not always be the best option
However, sometimes intervening by engaging the target may not be a good idea. For example, intervening in domestic violence incidents may actually make the situation worse for the target at home. Additionally, more directly engaging the perpetrator may be better in the workplace, where part of the goal of bystander intervention is to establish workplace norms.
There are different ways to engage a target as a bystander
You might try to remove the target from the situation by asking them to accompany you somewhere else. You might also draw the target’s attention simply by engaging them in conversation. If these aren’t good options, you can also provide delayed support to the target, especially if it’s too late to intervene more directly. Ask the target if they are okay and if they need assistance. You can often provide delayed support to the target even if you also intervene in other ways.
Engaging the victim of harassment, discrimination, or microaggressions can be done in a variety of ways.
You can always provide delayed support to the target by checking in with them after the incident. You can ask if they need any help that you can provide. You might offer to call someone, or to go somewhere with them so that they're not alone. Remember, there is no perfect way to be an active bystander.
You can also try to remove the target from the situation, perhaps by asking them to go to another location with you. In this case, a harasser may back off and avoid additional conflict when they realize that their target has assistance and is not alone.
You might try to distract the target from the harassment by simply talking to them, helping them ignore the perpetrator. Sometimes, when a harasser sees that a target has support and is not alone, they back off without further conflict.
Challenges Surrounding an Inactive Bystander
An inactive bystander, or an individual who is aware of the issue but does not intervene, is a key factor in the perpetuation of harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Here are some challenges that keep a bystander from intervening:
Here are some myths to look out for:
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Fear of reprisal
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Lack of knowledge
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Difficulties in recognizing inappropriate behavior
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Fear of conflict
Teaching employees to support Their coworkers
This chapter outlines the ways that employees can engage the target of microaggressions, bias, harassment, or violence in the workplace. It covers topics such as ignoring the perpetrator, removing the target, and offering delayed support. By providing employees with the best practices for supporting their coworkers as a bystander, employers can help make their company a safer and more inclusive place to work.
Helping over 8,000 organizations create a safer, more productive workplace
EasyLlama’s online training course helps prepare employees to navigate bystander intervention. The course guide learners how to appropriately confront harassment, discrimination, and microaggressions in the workplace. The course covers:
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