Article published on Page 15 of the March 2022 edition of Worksite NEWS
Employees who are targeted by a bully at work, report that their witnesses did not come forward despite their promises, ethics, oath to report abuse, company policies, and legislation. This includes leaders and staff. Yet bystanders are vital to the prevention, intervention, and repair or recovery of a work environment, and for each of those who are harmed. Without witnesses, millions of cases are deemed “unsubstantiated.” This does not mean that “something didn’t happen!” First of all, we are seeing far too many cases left unsubstantiated, and secondly, they are being left without appropriate interventions in place to protect the complainant(s), or perhaps to protect the respondents who are being falsely accused! We must do more to support the witnesses. This is for the overall safety and reputation of the organization.