1.5 Units in Bullying Discrimination and Harassment

Equipped to Act - Using Active Bystander Strategies to Address Disrespectful Workplace Behaviour

What would you do if you saw or heard about a colleague being harassed or bullied at work? Would you want to act? Would you know what options you have for taking action?

Creating safe and inclusive workplaces, and preventing disrespectful workplace behaviour is complex. There's no quick fix; no single 'silver bullet' that will guarantee a workplace (or profession) that is free from discrimination, bullying and harassment. But active bystander strategies are one tool that, when well supported, we can use to help tackle disrespectful behaviour in our workplaces and profession. 

In this practical 90 minute session, we'll discuss what active bystanders are, why they are important and potential barriers to taking bystander action. We'll also provide practical guidance on the options you have for taking bystander action, and consider the factors that may influence the action you choose to take in different circumstances. 

This session will be presented by Trish Low, a senior lawyer and workplace consultant with over 20 years experience. Throughout her career, Trish has partnered with leading public, private and not for profit organisations to help them manage complex diversity and people management issues. Trish worked for the Australian Human Rights Commission on its landmark Respect@Work Report, which detailed the findings of the National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces, and draws on a wealth of learning from this project to inform her work.