Intervention Method: Document

Documentation is a key upstander technique that empowers employees to safely record harmful behavior or misconduct when direct intervention isn’t possible. This method focuses on creating an accurate, respectful record—through notes, photos, or video—that can later support accountability and justice. Emtrain’s microlesson teaches when and how to document safely, what details to include, and how to protect the privacy and dignity of those involved.

Microlesson Description

This lesson reviews the upstander intervention technique, "Document". Documentation involves using any form of media to create a record of an event or an issue — it could be video or audio or written notes.

Key Concepts

• Learn how to support colleagues by documenting incidents safely and respectfully
• Understand when it’s appropriate to use documentation as an intervention method
• Know when and how to share documentation—with permission and privacy in mind

This microlesson is part of Emtrain’s Intervention Methods microlesson series—five short, actionable lessons that teach employees how to recognize harm and respond constructively. These lessons are designed to make upstander intervention a workplace skill everyone can practice with confidence.

Each method provides a distinct approach for real-life application:

• Direct: Speak up respectfully to stop harm or start accountability conversations.
• Distract: Defuse tension and redirect attention to interrupt harm safely.
• Delegate: Enlist others—like managers or HR—to step in when direct action isn’t safe.
• Document: Record and report incidents accurately to support transparency and fairness.
• Delay: Offer empathy and follow-up support to colleagues who’ve been targeted.

Together, these microlessons help employees move from bystanders to upstanders—building a culture where everyone takes responsibility for respect, inclusion, and psychological safety.

Microlesson Features

• Employee sentiment pulsing questions that provide leaders with insights into their workforce's core cultural competencies
• Emtrain's Expert Answers tool, enabling employeees to submit anonymous questions about sensitive issues.

• Rich, contemporary video scences illustrating key concepts through realistic scenarios
• A data driven, skill-based approach to eLearning that establishes a shared language for employees.

Preview Microlesson