From bystander to upstander: Getting bullies to back off

Workplace bullying is repeated, intimidating, hostile, or abusive behavior aimed at anyone for any reason — and it’s a form of workplace violence. Most companies aren’t doing a good enough job of putting a stop to bullying at work.

So what can you do if you witness bullying in the workplace or experience it yourself? In my recent TEDx Talk I shared four important actions you can take to go from bystander to upstander.

16 ways you can be a better ally

Ready to be a force for good?

As a company, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect is crucial for overall success. However, it goes beyond just having policies in place. It requires active effort and engagement from everyone in the organization. This starts with being an ally and stepping in when negative behaviors occur.

With our “16 Ways You Can Be A Better Ally” guide, you can equip your employees with the tools and confidence to make a difference in your workplace.

Download the 16 Ways You Can Be A Better Ally guide to learn:

1. When to step in and how to prevent negative behavior from occurring in the workplace.

2. How to create a positive work environment where employees feel safe to speak up and can thrive

3. How to handle negative behavior in a productive and respectful manner.

4. When to share and express your feelings.

5. When to remind your company of its rules and policies.

Catherine Mattice, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is the founder/CEO of Civility Partners, a consulting firm focused on helping organizations create respectful workplace cultures and specializing in turning around toxic cultures. Civility Partners’ clients range from Fortune 500’s to small businesses across many industries and Catherine is an HR thought-leader who has appeared in such venues as USA Today, Bloomberg, CNN, NPR, and many other national news outlets as an expert. She’s an award-winning speaker, author and blogger, and has 52 courses reaching global audiences on LinkedIn Learning. Catherine’s award-winning book, BACK OFF! Your Kick-Ass Guide to Ending Bullying at Work, was hailed by international leadership-guru, Ken Blanchard, as, “the most comprehensive and valuable handbook on the topic.”