You notice that a co-worker is being harassed by a group of people outside in the parking lot at work. None of the group of people work here. Which of the following actions should you take?

The most appropriate action in this situation is to document and report the incident rather than to take direct action that may escalate the situation or put yourself or your co-worker at further risk. When choosing to photograph the incident, you create a record of the harassment which can be important for any necessary investigations or interventions. Sharing this information with your supervisor allows your workplace to respond appropriately, which may include notifying security or law enforcement if necessary.

In contrast, seeking assistance from another employee might not guarantee a safer outcome and could potentially add more confusion or escalate the situation. Ignoring the situation can allow the harassment to continue unchecked, leaving your co-worker vulnerable. Additionally, confronting your co-worker to ask about the situation may not only distract from the immediate danger but can also put them in a more compromising position if they feel blamed for the harassment. Therefore, documenting and reporting is a responsible and effective approach in managing this type of incident.