Confronting The Bystander Effect In Workplace Harassment: 5 Strategies To Create A Bully-Free Workplace

• One of the most toxic behaviors that can infiltrate the office environment is workplace bullying. 
• What’s more concerning is the “bystander effect,” which is a psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to intervene or help when others are present.  
• By recognizing bullying, cultivating empathy, encouraging open communication, implementing anti-bullying policies, and providing bystander intervention training, individuals and organizations can combat workplace bullying effectively. 

In an ideal world, the workplace would be a haven of cooperation, mutual respect, and shared objectives. However, the reality can often differ dramatically.

One of the most toxic behaviors that can infiltrate the office environment is workplace bullying, which is a pervasive issue that not only affects the victim but also influences the overall productivity and morale of the team.  

What’s equally concerning is the “bystander effect,” which is a psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to intervene or help when others are present.  

Understanding Workplace Bullying  

Workplace bullying involves repeated, harmful mistreatment of one or more individuals by one or more perpetrators. It can take various forms, such as verbal abuse, offensive conduct, and work interference. Such behavior can lead to significant emotional and physical health problems for the victim, including stress, anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Bullying can occur between employees and leadership or among peers.  

The Bystander Effect  

The bystander effect refers to the social psychological phenomenon where individuals do not offer any means of help to a victim when other people are present. This effect becomes more pronounced as the number of bystanders increases. In the context of workplace bullying, the bystander effect can result in colleagues turning a blind eye to harmful behavior, thereby indirectly endorsing it.  

The Role of Bystanders in Workplace Bullying  

Bystanders play a crucial role in perpetuating or mitigating workplace bullying. 83% of employees say they have witnessed workplace bullying, and according to the 2021 WBI U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey — it was found that 30% of Americans have experienced abusive conduct at their place of work. When bystanders ignore the issue, they inadvertently contribute to a culture that tolerates bullying. Their silence can embolden the bully and isolate the victim, causing further harm.  

Conversely, when bystanders step up and address the issue, they can significantly reduce the incidence of bullying. They can support the victim, report the behavior to management, or directly confront the bully. 

This form of harassment can lead to severe psychological and physical harm, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disturbances, and more. The bystander effect often leads to situations where employees witnessing unethical or inappropriate behavior, such as harassment or discrimination, choose not to intervene.  

A study on the bystander effect revealed that 75% of bystanders helped when they were alone and thought a person was in trouble. However, this figure dropped significantly to only 31% when a group of six people were together, highlighting the diminished sense of personal responsibility in group settings.   

This lack of intervention can contribute to the perpetuation of workplace bullying and its harmful effects. Therefore, strategies such as delegation, where an employee seeks help from others to stop harassing behavior, should be encouraged to combat workplace bullying and mitigate the bystander effect. 

How to Break Free from the Bystander Effect

1. Recognize Bullying: The first step in breaking free from the bystander effect is recognizing bullying when it happens. Understanding the signs of bullying can help individuals identify when someone is being targeted.

2. Cultivate Empathy: Developing empathy can help individuals understand the gravity of the situation and the impact of their inaction. By putting themselves in the victim’s shoes, bystanders may feel more compelled to intervene. 

3. Encourage Open Communication: Fostering an environment where employees feel safe discussing sensitive issues can mitigate the bystander effect. It encourages victims and bystanders alike to speak up against unfair treatment.
4. Implement and Enforce Anti-Bullying Policies: Organizations should have clear policies against bullying. These policies should outline the consequences of bullying and provide a safe avenue for reporting incidents. 

5. Bystander Intervention Training: Employers can provide training to help employees understand the importance of intervening in bullying situations. This training can equip employees with the tools and confidence they need to stand up against bullying. 

Workplace bullying is a serious issue that can have severe consequences for employees and organizations. The bystander effect can exacerbate this problem by creating an environment where bullying is overlooked or ignored.  

However, by recognizing bullying, cultivating empathy, encouraging open communication, implementing anti-bullying policies, and providing bystander intervention training, individuals and organizations can combat workplace bullying effectively.  

Remember, your silence could be perceived as endorsement, so, don’t be a part of the bystander effect.