The untold story of witnesses of workplace harassment | Julia Shaw | TEDxLondonWomen

What does it mean to be an accidental activist? A year ago, psychological and memory scientist at UCL, Dr Julia Shaw, came to TEDxLondon to tell us how organisations can better tackle workplace harassment by providing effective reporting tools and training. Now, she’s back, having conducted one of the largest studies ever on witnesses of harassment and discrimination - a story which, until now, has remained largely untold. While most of us believe that we would be active bystanders, when we witness cases of harassment and bullying, the majority of us do nothing. Why? Fear of consequences or retaliation, a lack of support, not knowing how to report and even the stigma around being a ‘snitch’. Yet, qualitative analysis revealed that witnesses suffer profoundly negative consequences, with an increase in stress and anxiety, and often a desire to leave the organisation. Julia’s research reveals how organisations can become better allies by showcasing their commitment to transparency, introducing a way for witnesses to report incidents safely and providing management training. Dr Julia Shaw, a psychological scientist at UCL and the co-founder of Spot, a startup that helps employees report workplace harassment and employers to build a more inclusive and respectful work environment. Her bestselling debut book, The Memory Illusion, was published in 2016 to critical acclaim and has been translated into 20 languages. She went on to publish her second international bestseller Evil: The Science Behind Humanity’s Dark Side in 2019. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@Aerojet01]

From day one, the first thing you should establish in the workplace is respect and never show signs of weakness. Bullies prey on people they perceive to be weak. Always stand your ground, calmly and assertively. Never take anything personally. This is coming from a person who has spent a life time on the receiving end of bullying. Nowadays, I treat work as a professional arena. A means of earning money, livelihood and nothing more. I keep most things formal and I don't subscribe to other people's BS. At the age of 44, I really don't care what people think of me. It's how I see myself which is more important to me. If you allow them, the workplace will crush you mentally leading to depression, anxiety and illnesses.

[@myname0316]

Something I accepted at 28. Now 30, and things are actually better. Well said.

[@Musical.babexo]

Exactly im here to work nothing more

[@mariahconklin4150]

This is what I told my supervisor today. “I need to improve myself” so that I can handle situations… basically set boundaries. The conversation went well. But yes I can be so codependent. If I didn’t tell all my co workers my back was hurting me two of them wouldn’t have talked behind my back but it was so obvious my back was hurting lol! Plus I have to deal with CDIFF or still might be dealing with it so honestly people need to stop judging and mind their own business and stop playing “manager.” My mind goes back and fourth though… is this person toxic are they not toxic? It’s frustrating. So instead of treating people like poop and judging we should go in with love and see how we can support them not judge and put them down. I see it all the time. What’s also frustrating is that I feel as if I’m coming across bossy. How do you know when it’s bossy vs us co workers care about our job and want the very best? It leaves me confused

[@ytb8361]

@@mariahconklin4150 Oh no. I hope things are better for you. Please check Veronika Janeckova and Adriana Bucci. They have a lot of programs and content to heal trauma, and thrive in life. I'm sending you beautiful energy of best wishes. I'm sending you prayers and trust that things will get better, that you will be fine and that things will go smoothly for you.

[@ytb8361]

@@mariahconklin4150 You can find cheap rates or installments if you discuss pricing with them. They also have a lot of very good free content. You can get through this. You are an amazing peace warrior, hero and you are full of love, peace, happiness, encouragement, achievement, calm, flow beautiful energy.

[@f.n.2103]

Dr. Julia Shaw combines the best of both worlds: she creates knowledge by conducting outstanding research and shares her findings via a compelling stage presence. Great that she creates this kind of awareness! She's a true role model!

[@lucasguimaraespacheco9630]

Unfortunately, this situation repeats itself around the world, and who is in the lower lays suffer from fear of retaliation and of getting fired. We must be united, be better allies to our colleagues, and shows up some courage to do what's right. Very important research. Well done, lady!

[@dakotamabry1645]

My husband gave a full essay on how the company can approve at their suggestion. He wanted to help but the boss be made to look bad . He fired him and lied to prevent him getting unemployment.. then blacklisted him , 3 years of work experiences down the drain and his electrician jobs wouldn't call him back . Had to go back to working at walmart. I was pregnant and supporting us and we could barely make it to fight against it would hurt us ..

[@KarlKristofferJohnsson]

It was only briefly mentioned, but the "power corrupts" thing reminded me of a quote. "There's an old saying: 'All power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.' The more I've learned, the less I believe it. Power doesn't always corrupt. What power always does is reveal. When a guy gets into a position where he doesn't have to worry anymore, then you see what he wanted to do all along." --Robert Caro

[@emilykapallen4979]

That’s a great quote.

[@adventurecoalition3690]

“Train your managers” Amen. Great Talk, thank you

[@andrewholliday251]

HR won't do anything about these problems. That's not what HR is for. It exists to serve the interests of the employer. If any bullying or harassment involves people in power within the organisation....all reporting to HR does is identify you as the problem and the messenger that needs to be kept quiet. If addressing the bullying and harassment would be disruptive to the organisation smooth running, HR's role is to shoot the messenger. Employee assistance programs have the same role (confidential counselling that is owned by the organisation - so they can keep things quiet and their reputations intact). If we want to address workplace bullying and harassment in any serious, non-tokenistic way, we need the provision of, and access to, third party independent processes, advocates and investigatory powers. Only then will things change.

[@steeveekeys1904]

You, unfortunately, speak the absolute truth. The content of your post is essentially the same as mine above. The US has the highest incidence of workplace violence, and we wonder why? The inhumanity of it all. Great post.

[@MotorcyclePhaedrus]

I work in a public healthcare organization. They could do more to protect employees, the mistreatment is systemic, though very personal for those affected by harrasment. I think this woman is spot on in terms of placing responsibility on the managers and hierarchy within the organization. Essentially she is also making a business case for why it is rational to protect workers, and i support her entirely. However, my experience under new public management, is unfortunate. When the bottom line is all that matters, you hire and promote the bullies. And i think everyone knows this, but no one dares to say it. After ten years of experience, it slowly dawned on me that doctors where every bit as vulnerable as nurses or other lower ranking staff. A corrupt administration has you cornered, regardless of education level, or personal integrity. Which is not to discount the proposals laid forth in this presentation. They are sorely needed.

[@selenarobinson7132]

Unless You Run Your Own Business/Company, You will always be at the mercy of abusive behavior in the work place when you are working for someone else. Things Would be different if any of us where in the Driver's Seat because if I were, I'd get rid of and replace a lot of bad employee's such like the current one's who do so much dirt and get away with it and the favoritism there that is just unbearable.

[@user-td2vf2cw2s]

Dealing with stuff like that is extremely frustrating

[@thegentlewomanboss]

This is one of the best videos I've seen that addresses the importance of bystanders & witnesses taking action and speaking up when they see/hear something in the workplace. Very powerful; every organization serious about culture change and creating a safe workplace should watch this. Well done, Dr. Shaw.

[@annmarie6870]

Isn’t it sad that I have stood up for other people yet they wouldn’t stand up for me? My manager does but it’s just not enough.

[@steeveekeys1904]

I reported harassment to Human Resources at the South Florida hospital where I worked. To make a long story short, I was retaliated against in the worst way. DO NOT REPORT YOUR PROBLEMS TO HUMAN RESOURCES. I worked in Florida, which is an "employer friendly state". In other words, workers have little to no protection. The EEOC is overwhelmed and is VERY UNLIKELY to help you. These cases are VERY DIFFICULT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO PROVE. Either start your own business, worked ONLY for a company that has union representation, or get a government job. Or, finally, just quit and get another job. The corporations have overwhelming power...you will not win. It's horribly unfair, but there are no laws against "unfairness". What is really, really sad, is this callous, inhumane treatment of workers is certainly one of the factors in the high incidence of workplace violence in the US. Workplace bullying is a silent epidemic, and goes unheard, unnoticed. The thousands upon thousands of workers suffer in silence. I'm sure some commit suicide. You really think bullying only happens in the school yard? Think again. We can all only hope and pray for more peaceful and humane workplaces.

[@capriat60]

I had the same experience years ago in government. Took me 10 years to get my life back and full time job again. Don’t go to Human Resources and don’t make your situation public.

[@southpacificsugar]

remarkable!!!!!!! thank you for this!

[@maryuspandyra7359]

workplace bullying really affects you for a long time

[@999timepass]

For life

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

“HUMAN RESOURCES” is an ABSOLUTE JOKE !!! Human Resources is a part of the Company that PROTECTS THE COMPANY over the Human Rights of Individuals being preyed upon. If Human Resources actually worked there would be ZERO VIOLENT WORKPLACE SHOOTINGS. Human Resources is the key component in a business that terminates the victim.

[@thuliendhlovu4436]

Just relived the moments of discrimination l go through at work. You helpless because you know when asked nobody will say they saw it happening they only admit when they try to console you. Lol worst part it feels like it’s my fault though l know it’s not . Am going to become a manager in years to come . I want to be a version of the kind of manager l wished for

[@dakotamabry1645]

I was discriminated against because I was a woman at 2 jobs .. it's worse when your pregnant, I've gotten screamed at for picking up a ladder and gaslight and told he was only concerned for my safety.. most woman I talk to have the expression been there but I feel like they had to stand there and take it because their was a mix of annoyance , sadness and acceptance of this is just how it goes .. no one defended me ..

[@garrettfrancis7157]

Great Tedx Talk

[@janukanepal5618]

This is such a motivation words n encouragement as well😍

[@tobedermatologists3216]

Thank you so much

[@lynettehawken4617]

Thank you to all those who are courageous enough to be active allies by speaking up!🙏🏻🥰

[@BenGurskyMusic]

Dr. Julia Shaw the G.O.A.T.

[@Aznswordsman007]

Just earlier this month, the CEO of my company specifically told me that he doesn't want to hear me stand up for other people, despite he is please with my performance, he told me that I have spend too much time voice complaint for other people, even though I have explained to him that why those people are unable to voice up their concern due to the intimidation from their direct supervisor. Meanwhile, our COO who is the orchestrate the most harassment is also acting like the HR of our company.

[@nidhihecm988]

Even anonymous reporting isn’t anonymous sometimes - not to deter. Not reporting is worse.

[@jayalathmunasinghe8376]

Very useful talk. ( from SriLanka)

[@user-nj8fl4iv4t]

I’m in the process of going through this, I’ve raised a case against my boss..

[@mikaylaleverington146]

good luck, praying it goes well for you. Head high!!

[@epithanyreighn]

The company I work for need this video.People need to work in A harassment free workplace

[@sophiehawken373]

Well said

[@KO-im6sm]

What’s worse is when woman dont back other woman when they see it happening.

[@Bar_Bar27]

Its not about women or men, its about human/ity rights and justice

[@amelievan3710]

I was paraded around and gaslighted that nothing is going on, when all was making it obvious. Very memorial scenario, it was laughable on the part of management

[@t.l.7733]

What happens if HR witnesses it & does nothing about it? The biggest joke is that our HR diirector jets in for our quarterly "We Care About You" mtg. & says that active shooters are on the rise, so you need to be ready & prepared. I raised my hand & asked " can you at least give us a day & time?" I suggested that if Mgt. were to treat their employees with dignity & respect, the rate of active shootings could decrease. HR said they'll take that under advisement. I said no rush..take your time. Meanwhile, our GM is a malignant narcissist w/ the dark triad trait who's pushes out 96 employees w/ only 1 suicide.

[@Astral_Dusk]

For males, they often don't want to be seen as "weak" in admitting they're being harassed but the problem is this leads to becoming a resentful monster that's much more capable of violence they'd never engage if they speak up earlier. Regardless, speak up and if HR or mangers are the harasser, contact another outside organization for workplace safety - maybe a local workforce commission. I had a real condescending deckhead of an HR at one previous job.

[@muhammadumernaseervisiting964]

In my case, the bully was himself a victim of state sanctioned discrimination, and he was merely committing horizontal violence. I may forgive one day but not forget.

[@JimmyJaxJellyStax]

Report em to HR. HR is the bully? Report em to workforce commission.

[@ladyt9000]

When the person harassing you is saying you’re harassing them..and it’s military. So much for retiring..I rather be dead

[@carriekoltunov3288]

This gives some great ideas on how an organization can foster diversity and a good working environment for people, without turning it into a gossipy tattle-tale culture.

[@BlaqBarbz]

They teach this is primary schools here in Australia which I think needs to be addressed a lot more for certain.

[@no1isprivacy]

You can barely expect anything done if harassment comes from the highest management level in a company. When you are witnesses, chances are you will become victims. It is your choice to speak up or not, but sometimes it is better to just quit. Bullying or harassment, whatever you call it, is personal; so, take it personally if you will. If employees are so afraid of speaking up for fear of consequences, then it's probably true and you should be careful. Be careful when reporting, too. The people you report to could sell you down a river and you wouldn't know.

[@josearellano7968]

Great presentation but HR only works for the employer. The only reason they place policies is to protect themselves. They don’t even enforce the policies. I’ve been bullied and harassed for 10 years for being different. I have tried everything… I’ve gone through the chain of command and HR. Their latest tactic is to write negative performance reviews reflecting a negative picture of me. I’ve been working for this local government agency for almost 25 years and in my current assignment for 15 years. I do hope work bullying and harassment is truly dismantling and get to experience it in my lifetime. I’m in the USA btw.

[@kyesha9313]

Has Dr. Julia Shaw's research been published anywhere?

[@119alias]

yes...many including 3 books.

[@user-pb7bt9nf9i]

Corporate HR are hostile to the employee, and don't rely on managers to be competent. And don't try to complain about one manager to *his/her* manager. More often than not, that two-up manager hired the one-up manager and any criticism of the one-up manager for incompetence, bullying or anything else puts upper management in a bad light. This is likely why working from home has become so popular these days, we no longer need to deal with BS on the office floor.

[@stanclark3992]

Dr., you don't need a study. It's human nature. Rock the boat & there are repercussions.

[@purpleowl2075]

Hi, it's 2024, the structures are not only not being dismantled, they are being put back up...

[@kristinmeyer489]

First, it's important to distinguish between witnesses, enablers, and recruits.

[@Rovtful]

Wow

[@Enavor]

Audio or video record - put it on social media or youtube along with the company name - anonymously. Its nice if witnesses have the gall to come forward, but what's more powerful is getting it from the horses mouth.

[@kevinwhite5226]

Please do your own research. Don't let people feed you your opinions from people that profit from crisis. These people destroyed a great person that worked at Starbucks. The two guys were not customers and were taking up table space. They were asked to leave if they were not going to purchase something as some paying customers were standing. They were asked by management to leave. The bathroom part was added to add race baiting to the issue.

[@Sultanapopy]

I did not get justice in Bangladesh, rather after filing physical harassment case corrupted criminals Hv filed 6 false cases, sent me to jail on the counter false case, threatened me to kill and now am out of home since 3 yrs!

[@misterk7970]

So sorry to read that. Hope your situation improves. I will make dua for you.

[@Infrared1967]

How awful an injustice! I'm horrified that it is still a flourishing system. I wish the best life for you.

[@KO-im6sm]

Peter principal. Promotion into one’s own incompetance

[@globalvillage423]

How is Luna?

[@detskaduskitai3488]

Amazing, it's like the "me too" movement, except you dont have the balls to express your own concerns. It's just "harrazment" from "unnnamed people" "since i am a women, you know". I don't know.

[@carriekoltunov3288]

I really have no idea what you were trying to express here. Could you clarify, please?

[@jebby16]

C'mon, doctor. Holes in the pants?

[@betterambience433]

she hot

[@franzborow8667]

snitches get stitches. creating a tattle tale culture is less appealing to me than just standing up for yourself.

[@carriekoltunov3288]

The fact that someone would be seriously harmed for speaking up against harassment just shows how messed up our culture really is. Not everyone can speak up for themselves, for a variety of reasons.

[@Aerojet01]

@@carriekoltunov3288 I disagree. We should concentrate on empowering people and giving them the mental weaponry to tackle bullying. You could convince people about being the perfect bystander, but unfortunately, it's human nature to look after one's self. That's the cold reality of life. You'll find bullies don't have much confidence and that's why they project themselves onto others.

[@emilykapallen4979]

I’ve always thought that the quote “snitches get stitches” came from someone who didn’t want anyone coming after them for something they did. I think banding together and supporting each other by reporting unsavory behavior is actually a form of standing up for oneself, but on a level that’s greater than oneself. If change happens and the outcome is better than it used to be, then you stood up for yourself and the people you work with as well.

[@the_feature_selector859]

Snitches get stitches was created by assholes that want to hold power over others.

[@the_feature_selector859]

You’re a birch Franz