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Systemic · scientifically grounded
Give your people the tools and confidence to stand up to inappropriate behaviour.
Most people recognise inappropriate behaviour, but don't know what to say, or are afraid of the consequences. Our training gives your team the concrete tools to intervene effectively. By shifting the social norm, we lower the barrier to actually doing it.
The problem
A socially safe workplace doesn't just happen
Most people recognise inappropriate behaviour at work, but hesitate to step in. They don't know what to say, or fear they'll make the situation worse. The result: the behaviour continues, stress builds and collaboration suffers.
Inappropriate behaviour is not a neutral issue. Research shows that women, people of colour, LGBTQIA+ colleagues, and people with disabilities face these challenges more frequently, and experience a deeper impact when they do.
What you'll learn
Six skills, in your hands
- You recognise and name inappropriate behaviour at work
- You choose a fitting intervention and apply it with confidence
- You give feedback on behaviour that crosses a line
- You set boundaries and communicate them clearly
- You ask for help when in doubt, instead of staying inactive
- You support colleagues experiencing inappropriate behaviour
Approach
Training for staff and managers, or consultancy
Training for employees
Active Bystander
The programme for the whole team: how do you recognise and respond to inappropriate behaviour? With actors, realistic scenarios and space to practise.
Programme 3 hours or tailored · practice with actors
Training for managers
Active Leader
The responsibility of managers requires additional knowledge and skills. How do I create a socially safe team? What is my role?
Programme tailored · optionally combined with coaching or consultancy
Consulting for teams and organisations
Analysis & consultancy
When inappropriate behaviour or a lack of safety disrupts a team, how do you rebuild trust and bring collaboration back to the centre of your work?
Programme tailored · optionally combined with coaching or training
Why a separate track for managers?
Whoever holds power sets the tone. Behaviour from someone in authority lands harder, and research shows a substantial share of inappropriate behaviour comes from managers themselves. That calls for self-reflection, and a different practice-setting than for employees.
How we work
Introductory call
30 min, free of charge. We discuss your situation and what you need.
Tailored proposal
Within 5 working days, you'll have a programme proposal.
Alignment
We tune content and scenarios to your context.
Delivery & evaluation
Delivery, then measurement and embedding.
What participants say
A selection: average 8.6/10
"I learned concrete intervention options and got to practise them. I learned that I'm never a neutral bystander."
Participant"That it's okay not to get it right the first time; that you can still approach people afterwards; that as a bystander you really can make a difference."
Participant"Working with Rutger and the actors was incredibly pleasant. They put you at ease right away. In the past, actors sometimes felt awkward to work with, but this time it felt natural."
Participant"I've learned useful strategies on how to become an active bystander, and to reflect on what being one means."
Participant"I think this training should be mandatory for all employees of the university."
ParticipantWho'll guide you
Our experts
Caroline Pickard
Independent trainer & consultant. Certified confidential adviser. Works with Human Centric, Catalyst and Talent naar de Top.
View the team →
Rutger Legeland
NOBTRA-accredited trainer · LVV-registered confidential adviser · co-founder of Human Centric.
View the team →
Investment & resources
What it costs
From € 2,000
A workshop for one team of 8 to 16 people.
Per group, excluding VAT and venue.
On request
A tailored training programme, analysis and consultancy.
We define scope and investment together in the introductory call.
Hand-out: interventions for inappropriate behaviour
The options on a single hand-out, to take with you, share, or use as a memory aid during training. PDF, NL/EN.
Download the hand-out →Read about our expertise: social safety in the workplace
How do you create a socially safe environment and tackle inappropriate behaviour? Is training the right answer right now, or is something else needed first?
Read about our expertise →FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What if our team isn't open to this?
We hear this often. We always begin with an obligation-free conversation to see if our training is the right fit. Once teams realise our approach is about building skills, not casting blame, engagement and willingness grow quickly.
What sets you apart from other bystander trainers?
We tailor every programme, use actors so participants can practise extensively, and we are realistic about what is achievable.
How many participants per group?
8 to 16. For larger numbers we split into multiple sessions.
How long does the training take?
From a 3-hour workshop to a multi-day programme. The Active Leader track is always tailored.
Do you also work in English?
Yes. All trainings are available in NL and EN. The hand-out is bilingual.
Get started
Half an hour, and you'll know whether Active Bystander training fits your team.
In a no-obligation 30-minute introductory call you’ll get answers to three questions: is Human Centric a good fit for your question, what approach would we suggest, and roughly what would a project cost.
Rutger Legeland
Co-founder of Human Centric
“I run our introductory calls. No sales pitch, just an open conversation about what you need.”
Call or message +31 6 53 84 53 39
Not ready for a call yet? Download addressing inappropriate behaviour (PDF), read our expertise on social safety or browse the resources.