Being an Active Bystander

Click on the Direct, Distract, and Delegate buttons below to learn more about strategies that you can use to address inappropriate conduct in the workplace.

+ Direct

+ Distract

+ Delegate

Direct

If you’re comfortable doing so, you can directly intervene to interrupt hurtful behavior.

Say things like:

  • “That’s not funny.”
  • “What you said (or did) isn’t OK.”
  • “I’m uncomfortable with what you said (or did).”
  • “That really should not be in the workplace and I find it offensive.”
  • “Please stop.”

Do things like:

  • Don’t join in or laugh.

If this strategy does not work, you may also consider using the distract and/or delegate strategy.

Distract

If you’re comfortable doing so, you can distract the person committing the harmful act.

Do things like:

  • Ask for directions.
  • Ask an unrelated question.
  • Redirect the conversation by bringing up a random topic.
  • Tell one of the people involved that you think someone is looking for them.

If this strategy does not work, you may also consider using the direct and/or delegate strategy.

Delegate

If you’re uncomfortable and/or can’t do it alone, involve others or immediately tell a supervisor, manager, or HR. Remember, reporting an inappropriate incident enables HR to intervene, investigate, and resolve the situation.