The untold story of witnesses of workplace harassment | Julia Shaw | TEDxLondonWomen

[isatousarr]

The untold story of witnesses of workplace harassment often remains overlooked, despite their critical role in addressing and preventing such behavior. Witnesses, whether coworkers or bystanders, can experience a range of emotions and challenges when they witness harassment. They may feel conflicted about intervening, especially if the perpetrator holds power or influence, or if they fear retaliation. This silence can perpetuate the toxic environment, making it harder for victims to come forward and for organizations to recognize the severity of the issue.

Witnesses also face emotional distress as they may feel powerless, guilty for not stepping in sooner, or anxious about the consequences of speaking up. In many cases, employees may be hesitant to report harassment, fearing that they will be ostracized or blamed. However, when witnesses do speak out, their accounts can be pivotal in corroborating the victim's experience, helping to shed light on what may otherwise go unnoticed.

Organizations must recognize the importance of witnesses in the fight against workplace harassment. Encouraging a culture where speaking up is not only safe but expected can empower witnesses to act. Providing training that includes bystander intervention strategies and ensuring that there are clear, confidential reporting channels can help witnesses feel more supported and capable of contributing to a positive change.

Ultimately, witnesses play an essential role in shaping the work environment. Their perspectives and actions can be powerful catalysts for change, making it crucial that organizations create an atmosphere where they are encouraged to speak out and where their voices are valued in the effort to eliminate harassment.

[f.n.]

Dr. Julia Shaw combines the best of both worlds: she creates knowledge by conducting outstanding research and shares her findings via a compelling stage presence. Great that she creates this kind of awareness! She's a true role model!

[lucasguimaraespacheco]

Unfortunately, this situation repeats itself around the world, and who is in the lower lays suffer from fear of retaliation and of getting fired. We must be united, be better allies to our colleagues, and shows up some courage to do what's right.
Very important research. Well done, lady!

[andrewholliday]

HR won't do anything about these problems. That's not what HR is for. It exists to serve the interests of the employer. If any bullying or harassment involves people in power within the organisation....all reporting to HR does is identify you as the problem and the messenger that needs to be kept quiet. If addressing the bullying and harassment would be disruptive to the organisation smooth running, HR's role is to shoot the messenger. Employee assistance programs have the same role (confidential counselling that is owned by the organisation - so they can keep things quiet and their reputations intact). If we want to address workplace bullying and harassment in any serious, non-tokenistic way, we need the provision of, and access to, third party independent processes, advocates and investigatory powers.

Only then will things change.

[KarlKristofferJohnsson]

It was only briefly mentioned, but the "power corrupts" thing reminded me of a quote.

"There's an old saying: 'All power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.' The more I've learned, the less I believe it. Power doesn't always corrupt. What power always does is reveal. When a guy gets into a position where he doesn't have to worry anymore, then you see what he wanted to do all along."
--Robert Caro

[dakotamabry]

My husband gave a full essay on how the company can approve at their suggestion. He wanted to help but the boss be made to look bad . He fired him and lied to prevent him getting unemployment.. then blacklisted him, 3 years of work experiences down the drain and his electrician
jobs wouldn't call him back . Had to go back to working at walmart. I was pregnant and supporting us and we could barely make it to fight against it would hurt us ..

[adventurecoalition]

“Train your managers” Amen. Great Talk, thank you

[Feline-friend]

I work in a public healthcare organization. They could do more to protect employees, the mistreatment is systemic, though very personal for those affected by harrasment. I think this woman is spot on in terms of placing responsibility on the managers and hierarchy within the organization. Essentially she is also making a business case for why it is rational to protect workers, and i support her entirely. However, my experience under new public management, is unfortunate. When the bottom line is all that matters, you hire and promote the bullies. And i think everyone knows this, but no one dares to say it. After ten years of experience, it slowly dawned on me that doctors where every bit as vulnerable as nurses or other lower ranking staff. A corrupt administration has you cornered, regardless of education level, or personal integrity. Which is not to discount the proposals laid forth in this presentation. They are sorely needed.

[maryuspandyra]

workplace bullying really affects you for a long time

[thegentlewomanboss]

This is one of the best videos I've seen that addresses the importance of bystanders & witnesses taking action and speaking up when they see/hear something in the workplace. Very powerful; every organization serious about culture change and creating a safe workplace should watch this. Well done, Dr. Shaw.

[selenarobinson]

Unless You Run Your Own Business/Company, You will always be at the mercy of abusive behavior in the work place when you are working for someone else. Things Would be different if any of us where in the Driver's Seat because if I were, I'd get rid of and replace a lot of bad employee's such like the current one's who do so much dirt and get away with it and the favoritism there that is just unbearable.

[lynettehawken]

Thank you to all those who are courageous enough to be active allies by speaking up!🙏🏻🥰

[Roger-do]

Corporate HR are hostile to the employee, and don't rely on managers to be competent. And don't try to complain about one manager to *his/her* manager. More often than not, that two-up manager hired the one-up manager and any criticism of the one-up manager for incompetence, bullying or anything else puts upper management in a bad light. This is likely why working from home has become so popular these days, we no longer need to deal with BS on the office floor.

[epithanyreighn]

The company I work for need this video.People need to work in A harassment free workplace

[Aznswordsman]

Just earlier this month, the CEO of my company specifically told me that he doesn't want to hear me stand up for other people, despite he is please with my performance, he told me that I have spend too much time voice complaint for other people, even though I have explained to him that why those people are unable to voice up their concern due to the intimidation from their direct supervisor. Meanwhile, our COO who is the orchestrate the most harassment is also acting like the HR of our company.

[KO-imsm]

What’s worse is when woman dont back other woman when they see it happening.

[GreyGhost-rz]

“HUMAN RESOURCES” is an ABSOLUTE JOKE !!!

Human Resources is a part of the Company that PROTECTS THE COMPANY over the Human Rights of Individuals being preyed upon. If Human Resources actually worked there would be ZERO VIOLENT WORKPLACE SHOOTINGS.

Human Resources is the key component in a business that terminates the victim.

[thuliendhlovu]

Just relived the moments of discrimination l go through at work. You helpless because you know when asked nobody will say they saw it happening they only admit when they try to console you. Lol worst part it feels like it’s my fault though l know it’s not . Am going to become a manager in years to come . I want to be a version of the kind of manager l wished for

[kristinmeyer]

First, it's important to distinguish between witnesses, enablers, and recruits.

[Astral_Dusk]

For males, they often don't want to be seen as "weak" in admitting they're being harassed but the problem is this leads to becoming a resentful monster that's much more capable of violence they'd never engage if they speak up earlier. Regardless, speak up and if HR or mangers are the harasser, contact another outside organization for workplace safety - maybe a local workforce commission. I had a real condescending deckhead of an HR at one previous job.