Picture this:

You're in a team meeting. Your colleague presents an idea. Your manager dismisses it with a sarcastic comment that lands with a thud. Everyone shifts uncomfortably in their seats. You notice your colleague's face flush. The meeting continues.

You say nothing.

That night, driving home, you replay it in your mind. Why didn't I say something?

If this scenario feels familiar, you're not alone. And you're not a bad person.

The Silent Majority 🤫

Here's what keeps me up at night: According to SafeWork Australia's latest data, mental health conditions accounted for 17,600 serious workers' compensation claims in 2023-24. Harassment and workplace bullying represent the largest category at 33.2% of all mental stress claims.

But here's the thing—for every formal claim, there are countless incidents that happen in full view of colleagues who witness the behaviour and do nothing. Not because they don't care. Not because they approve. But because in that moment, they simply don't know what to do.

The numbers tell a sobering story:

  • One in ten Australian employees report being bullied at work

  • One in three workers has experienced sexual harassment in the past five years

  • Only 18% of sexual harassment incidents are formally reported

  • 37% of workers report being sworn at or yelled at in the workplace

Behind every statistic is a person who experienced harm. And often, someone who witnessed it and stayed silent.

This Isn't About Courage 💯

Here's what I've learned after years of working in this space: Bystander intervention isn't about character or courage. It's about skills. Skills that can be learned, practiced, and deployed effectively.

Over this blog series, we're going to unpack:

  • Why good people stay silent (spoiler: it's more complex than you think)

  • What that silence costs our teams and organisations

  • What actually works to create a culture where people speak up

  • Practical strategies you can use tomorrow

Because the question isn't whether you should say something when you witness misconduct. The question is: do you know how to say something effectively?

Let's figure this out together. 💯

What's your experience with this? Have you ever replayed a moment where you wish you'd spoken up? 🤔

You want to know more about how Blythe creates meaningful connections? ✨

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