What's the Hype Behind... bystander culture?

What you should know?

A recent investigation into sexual harassment in the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows aerobatic team found it was "widespread and normalized". This included several incidents described as "predatory" and "inappropriate" behavior at work.

Ultimately, the investigation revealed that there is a “bystander culture” within the Red Arrows. This is a workplace culture in which inappropriate behavior is not often challenged, resulting in this behavior being tolerated and continuing unhindered.

What others say about it?

In short, a bystander culture is bad for everyone. A recent study found that any type of discrimination in the workplace has a negative impact on employee motivation and productivity.

Brent Simpson, a professor of sociology at the University of South Carolina, co-led the study, whose results he summarizes as follows

"Our results suggest that [employment discrimination] can reduce the productivity of all workers, including those who are advantaged by it - meaning that discrimination may be hurting companies more than previously thought."

What this means for you?

Bystander culture is bad for workers and bad for companies. Red Arrows' investigation highlights how widespread it can be and how important it is to stop it.

Human resources managers play a key role here. To help, we would consider the following measures:

Develop clear sexual harassment policies and procedures. If you already have such policies in place, consider engaging an outside expert to conduct a thorough review of your current policies.

Provide all employees with training on sexual harassment and being an ally in the workplace. Provide concrete examples of how a culture of indifference can develop so employees know how to nip it in the bud.

Establish clear guidelines for reporting misconduct within your company. Additionally, consider setting up a dedicated whistle blowing solution that gives employees the confidence to report misconduct.

The Red Arrows investigation reminds companies that a culture of inaction can have serious consequences for affected employees, overall performance and the company's reputation. HR can play a leading role in communicating and promoting a healthy, equitable workplace culture where problematic behavior is never tolerated.

In the wake of revelations surrounding the detrimental impact of bystander culture, it is imperative for organizations to take proactive measures. The Red Arrows' case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of such cultures and the urgent need for intervention. IceHrm recognizes the vital role human resources plays in fostering a workplace free from indifference, offering solutions that align with creating a culture of accountability and allyship.