Ready, Willing, Unable: The Hidden Barriers to Ethical Bystander Action in the Workplace

Workers are often ready and willing to act as ethical bystanders, but fear of retaliation, weak accountability, and lack of trust in employer systems continue to silence them. The report highlights practical training, stronger protections, and union support as key to enabling safe intervention and driving real cultural change.

A new report by Unions NSW, Ready, Willing, Unable: The Hidden Barriers to Ethical Bystander Action in the Workplace, confirms that many workers witness harmful behaviour but feel unable to safely intervene. Fear of retaliation, lack of trust in employer systems, and weak accountability continue to silence bystanders.

The findings also point to clear pathways for change. The report emphasises the need for meaningful, practical bystander training, stronger legal protections for ethical bystanders, and leadership accountability that goes beyond “tick-the-box” compliance. Union presence and active delegates were consistently identified as protective factors that increase confidence and improve outcomes.

Read the full report to explore the key findings and recommendations for driving cultural change and strengthening ethical bystander action in workplaces.