Reporting Mechanisms

For many employees, this includes recognizing and reporting concerning behaviors they observe so action can be taken to intervene before violence can occur.

For instance, one attacker was transferred to a different department after complaining about being harassed by a colleague.

It is critical that all employees and other members of the workplace are trained to recognize and report concerning behaviors

STEP 4 | Identify and Process Reports of Concerning Behavior

describe concerning behaviors that should be reported to the BTAM program and how individuals, especially employees, can report their concerns.

Receiving reports of concerning behaviors.

It is also important to evaluate organizational awareness of the program, employee understanding of the role they play in prevention through reporting, and to provide training opportunities to enhance staff awareness.

BTAM team members should be well-trained in what and how behaviors of concern should be reported in their organization

The Chief Compliance Officer holds quarterly meetings in every region where we discuss what people are seeing, promote a “see something, say something” culture, and talk about active cases.

Organizations should ensure that all employees are trained to recognize concerning behavior and have avenues through which they can report their safety concerns.

Organizations must train their workforce to recognize and report their concerns when an individual or situation elicits concern for the safety of themselves or others.

All employees must understand that threatening statements should be reported

Coming forward requires power and confidence.

Individuals who recognize concerning behaviors must have multiple avenues available to report it.

while all workplaces should have a means to collect information about concerning behavior

the reporting mechanisms used by employees may vary based upon a variety of factors, such as the organization size, type, industry

a reporting option that works for a small food service business may not be an appropriate solution for a large multinational corporation

organizations must consider the resources available, the needs across their workforce, and the unique context of their environment

Improving School Safety Through Bystander Reporting: A Toolkit for Strengthening K-12 Reporting Programs (2023)

the principles presented therein are research-based and are broadly applicable to reporting mechanisms established in other environments, including workplaces

Organizations should offer simple and accessible means for individuals to share concerns.

Smaller organizations with few employees may consider using a dedicated email address where employees can express concerns

Training and awareness campaigns should be utilized to instruct relevant stakeholders on how and what to report.

Every member of the BTAM team should have the capability to view received reports and should automatically be notified of incoming reports, even outside of normal operating hours, if possible.

The more frequently reports are checked, the faster teams can respond to concerns.

Anonymity and confidentiality can encourage reporting throughout an organization

organizations may be able to establish two-way messaging that allows follow-up communication without requiring an individual to disclose their name

Other options include anonymous or confidential reporting forms, hotlines, or mobile applications that safeguard the reporter's identity

Reporting can be accomplished through a variety of avenues.

Offering multiple avenues for reporting can increase the likelihood that employees will share their concerns, thereby enhancing the opportunity for organizations to take appropriate action.

Set operating hours that improve availability.

Reports can be received at any time.

Consider an anonymous or confidential reporting option.

BTAM teams should ensure reports are routed to the correct party so appropriate action can be taken in a timely manner.

can be an important strategy to build trust and credibility in the BTAM process

Field reports in a timely and transparent manner.

It is important to establish how reports of concern will be initially processed upon receipt.

Other cases may require no further action from the BTAM team, but they may be appropriate for other services or systems.

Employees should be empowered to report the concerns they have in the workplace without fear of reprisal.

how to report concerns

what to expect once a report has been submitted

infographic posters that educate employees on how to report concerning behaviors

Improving School Safety Through Bystander Reporting: A Toolkit for Strengthening K–12 Reporting Programs.