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The number one barrier to bystander intervention in the workplace isn't apathy, but employees thinking they don't have "permission" to act, a behaviour specialist says.

Employees say, "I didn't think it was my place", Human Incite CEO Blythe Rowe tells HR Daily.

That's why it's time for HR to "kill the permission gap", she says.

"Make intervention an explicit job expectation for everyone, regardless of seniority. Have your leaders say it clearly and often: 'If you see something problematic, you have our permission – and our expectation – to act'.

"Then prove it. Include intervention behaviours in performance frameworks. Protect people who speak up. Celebrate interveners publicly...