You Witnessed an Aggressive Incident at Work—What Should You Do?

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Workplace aggression—such as yelling, making belittling remarks, using threats, or spreading lies—is a destructive force at work. How should you intervene if you witness these kinds of behaviors? Here are some factors to consider before you take action.

First, remember that bystander interventions don’t need to happen immediately. In many situations, it may be wiser to approach the issue after a cooling-off period. This works best if the situation feels unsafe or you aren’t sure how to respond in the moment. On the other hand, if there’s an immediate threat to the target, swift action may be needed.

Then assess your relationship with the perpetrator. If you have a close and trusting relationship with them, it may be possible to engage in a candid, private conversation to address their behavior. On the other hand, if your relationship is more distant or strained, involving a trusted mediator or supervisor may be a more effective approach.

Next, understand the power dynamics at play. It’s crucial to acknowledge that individuals with more authority and influence can enact change by imposing consequences or setting new standards. If you’re not in that position, you can reach out to a manager, who can enforce accountability.

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