What you learn:
- Define harassment, bullying, and discrimination with clear criteria
- Differentiate between protected and non-protected characteristics
- Identify examples across verbal, written, and behavior-based actions
- Understand the impact on individuals, teams, and business outcomes
- Recognize when escalation is required and where to seek guidance
Description:
This module clarifies the key terms used in workplace conduct policies and supports learners in recognizing when behavior crosses lines. You will explore examples of harassment, bullying, and discrimination, understand why each is harmful, and learn the basic legal and ethical implications for organizations and individuals. The course uses realistic scenarios to help you identify subtle and explicit conduct that can create a hostile or unsafe work environment.
By the end, you will have a solid framework to distinguish between problematic actions and acceptable workplace interactions, laying the foundation for respectful behaviors and compliant practices across teams and locations.
Direct intervention
Direct intervention involves addressing the behavior or the person engaging in harm in a calm, clear, and safe manner. Examples include stating that the conduct is not acceptable and requesting a change in behavior.
Tips
- Use a calm voice and neutral language.
- Address the behavior, not the person’s worth.
- Call for a break if needed or remove the target from a risky situation.
Indirect intervention
Indirect strategies focus on protecting the affected colleague and preventing escalation without direct confrontation. Examples include checking in with the person, offering support, and creating a distraction to diffuse tension.
Tips
- Ask the person if they are okay and offer to stand with them.
- Redirect the conversation to a neutral topic or move the group to a safer area.
- Document what you observed and report through appropriate channels.