Active Bystander Skills in the Workplace

The Equal Opportunity Commission's Strategy, Engagement and Education Team recently delivered a pilot of its new program, Active Bystander Skills in the Workplace. The program combines theory, legislative foundations and practical skill development to help participants intervene effectively when they witness inappropriate behaviour. The pilot session was offered free of charge to 11 participants from a range of government agencies and not-for-profit organisations.

Developed in response to feedback from participants across the Commission's education programs, the new program addresses a strong demand for further training in active bystander skills. In particular, participants in the Improving Workplace Culture program expressed a desire to learn more about what it means to be an active bystander and to develop the skills needed to intervene effectively when they witness inappropriate behaviour. While Improving Workplace Culture introduces the importance of active bystander behaviour in fostering respectful workplaces, there is limited opportunity within the program to explore the concept in depth or build the practical skills required to be an effective active bystander.

To address this need, Active Bystander Skills in the Workplace focuses exclusively on what it means to be an active bystander. Through a range of interactive activities, participants learn and practise practical strategies for responding to inappropriate behaviour and supporting respectful workplace cultures.

The strong interest in this program, and its development by the Commission, highlights that creating and maintaining respectful communities free from discrimination, harassment and victimisation requires more than legislation alone. It also relies on the everyday actions of individuals in their workplaces and communities. While legal protections are important, meaningful change occurs when people are prepared to speak up, support others and challenge inappropriate behaviour. In this way, individuals play a vital role in ensuring that equal opportunity rights are realised in practice.

Organisations interested in providing Active Bystander Skills in the Workplace training for their staff, or individuals who would like to register their interest in attending a future public session, can contact the Strategy, Engagement and Education Team on (08) 9216 3900 or email training@eoc.wa.gov.au. We would love to hear from you.