In today’s workplace, creating an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued is essential for productivity and wellbeing. Yet too often, individuals remain silent witnesses when confronted with inappropriate behaviours or situations that require intervention.
Our Bystander to Upstander / Active Bystander workshop empowers your team to move beyond passive observation and become proactive advocates for a respectful workplace culture. By understanding the psychological factors behind the “bystander effect” and learning practical, safe intervention techniques, participants develop the confidence to speak up when it matters most—fostering accountability, compassion, and stronger team cohesion.
This program forms part of our Workplace Respectfulness series, and is an excellent adjunct to our Bullying & Harassment Awareness training.
Key Facts
2-hr workshop
Small group delivery
Presented face2face in your offices or online.
Key Benefits include:
Cultivates a workplace environment where respect and dignity are valued by everyone.
Creates a culture of collective responsibility where team members look out for one another.
Fosters an atmosphere of trust where open communication thrives.
Builds a more inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are protected and valued.
Promotes a positive environment where everyone feels safe to bring their authentic selves.
Develops a workplace culture that attracts and retains talent through demonstrated values.
Key Workshop Components:
In these programs you will explore:
UNDERSTANDING THE BYSTANDER: Learn about the bystander concept, including definitions, causes, and key research exploring impact on communities and organisations
RECOGNISING PROBLEMATIC BEHAVIOURS: Develop skills to identify workplace bullying, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other inappropriate behaviours through examination of real-world examples.
FROM BYSTANDER TO UPSTANDER: Discover how an Active Bystander approach fosters a safer, more ethical workplace culture, and how personal values guide good decision-making during critical moments.
TECHNIQUES FOR SAFE INTERVENTION: Master practical strategies to intervene effectively when witnessing inappropriate behaviour, including Hollaback!’s 5Ds intervention model.
RISK & OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Learn to assess intervention risks and develop trauma-informed response capabilities.
SCENARIO-BASED LEARNING: Apply techniques through engaging workplace scenarios that provide safe practice opportunities.
Program Variation: From Bystander to Upstander – Cultivating Kindness & Good Citizenship
We also offer a community-focused variation of this workshop that extends beyond the workplace to promote active citizenship and compassionate behaviour in all aspects of life. This version explores the bystander effect through a broader social lens, cultivating kindness, empathy, and civic responsibility. With an emphasis on altruism and the science of compassion, participants discover how our natural capacity for caring can be strengthened through intentional practice.
This adaptation is ideal for organisations seeking to develop not just better workplace cultures, but to nurture employees who contribute positively to their wider communities. The same practical intervention techniques are taught, but with applications that span both professional and personal settings, promoting good citizenship in all areas of life.
Testimonials
Previous participants of these workshops have commented:
“Opened my mind to the impact I can have in my workplace and community.”
“Excellent training. Knowledgeable trainer skilled at facilitating engagement and discussion”
“Hit the mark!” – Peter, Australian Council of Social Service, June 2025