Bystander Intervention Training

Creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace requires more than policies—it requires empowered individuals who are willing and able to speak up when they witness misconduct. Bystander Intervention Training equips employees, managers, and workplace leaders with the awareness, strategies, and skills to recognize problematic behaviors and take appropriate action when witnessing harassment, discrimination, or other forms of misconduct.
This 10-lesson course explores the psychological, legal, and practical aspects of intervention. Participants begin by gaining a foundational understanding of workplace harassment and the real-world impact of silence. The course then examines the psychology behind the "bystander effect" and outlines common reasons people hesitate to act—even when they know something is wrong.
Learners are introduced to the Five Steps of Bystander Intervention, followed by a toolkit of practical techniques, including direct and indirect intervention strategies, de-escalation methods, and safe reporting procedures. Communication skills such as assertiveness, active listening, and the use of supportive language are emphasized to ensure interventions are respectful, clear, and effective.
The course also includes modules on assessing personal safety, supporting affected individuals, understanding legal responsibilities, and aligning actions with organizational policies. By the end of the course, participants will develop an action plan for responding to future incidents and have access to ongoing support resources.
This training empowers individuals to shift from passive observers to proactive allies—ultimately fostering a workplace culture built on accountability, dignity, and mutual respect.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Understand the importance and impact of bystander intervention in the workplace
• Recognize various forms of harassment, discrimination, and misconduct
• Identify psychological barriers that inhibit action and how to overcome them
• Apply the Five Steps of Bystander Intervention effectively
• Use safe and appropriate techniques to intervene in a range of situations
• Communicate assertively and empathetically during interventions
• Assess personal risk and know when to escalate to others
• Support affected individuals while maintaining confidentiality
• Understand legal protections, reporting processes, and organizational policies
• Create a personal action plan for future bystander scenarios

Target Audience:
• All employees across industries
• HR professionals and people managers
• Team leads and supervisors
• DEI officers and culture champions
• Anyone seeking to build a safer, more respectful workplace

Prerequisites:
• No prerequisites required
• An open mindset and willingness to engage with sensitive topics encouraged