What is Whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing refers to the act of reporting cases and instances of violations and misconduct of law that have the possibility of causing significant harm to the company. The damage can cause damage to a company’s reputation and even cause financial loss. By reporting these types of instances, a person can reduce the damage and loss for the company. A whistleblowing platform should be included as a vital tool and practice in every workplace. 

Workplace whistleblowing occurs when a person reports an illegal or wrong incident being performed. This incident can be a cause of financial loss or reputation loss for an organisation. Any employee or a third party individual such as a client or supplier can also report such incidents.  

What are typical cases of whistleblower reports?

There are various scenarios of whistleblowing. Given below are some cases in which you can report an incident. 

1. Discrimination
2. Harassment in the workplace
3. Breaches of law 
4. Corruption
5. Crimes
6. mismanagement
7. Human rights violations
8. Insider trading
9. Misuse of company data
10. Bribery

The above scenarios include risks and unethical behaviour that must be brought to the attention of the leadership team of the organisation with the help of a whistleblowing software. 

Complaints that do not count as whistleblowing

A complaint that involves personal grievances and revenge are not included under whistleblowing law. The incident being reported should be in the interest of the public and not be of any personal interest.  

How can whistleblowers be helped and better protected?

The implementation and procedure of the whistleblowing software is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risks and fraud in a company. A whistleblower system will help a company to follow a confidential and systematic flow of information from all employees, clients, and suppliers. 

Whistleblower systems are thus considered as an effective way for preventing corruption and maladministration

Can you file a report anonymously?

Yes, it is possible to file a whistleblower report anonymously. However, it is always encouraged to identify yourself while filing a report. In some cases, the investigation of anonymous reports can become a little challenging and can also become a blocker in the investigation 

What are the Benefits of implementing a whistleblowing channel in a workplace?

1. Early detection of issues

It is advisable for a company to listen to the issues and observations of its employees to identify any serious issues in advance. This will prevent it from becoming a serious issue. One of the most effective ways to listen to the observations is by implementing a whistleblowing policy and actively motivating the employees to report their observations. 

2. Improvement in the company compliance

With an effective whistleblowing policy in place, a safe procedure will be followed by the employees which will strengthen their self-esteem and make them feel fully compliant with the company laws.

3. Reduction in legal and financial risks for the company

By regularly encouraging employees to report incidents and wrongdoings, companies can make sure to have control over all the actions being done inside the company. This will help the company to solve the significant problems quickly. Early resolution of these issues can reduce financial loss, heavy lawsuits, risks, and penalties. 

4. Increase in transparency & improvement in work culture

Various whistleblowing channels can assist companies in creating a healthy work culture that involves integrity and work ethics. This can be done by encouraging and motivating employees to report incidents and concerns without any fear of further consequences and retaliation. When an organisation encourages employees to report wrongdoings, they demonstrate the commitment and values of ethics in their business. This attitude also helps employees to trust their leadership team and increase transparency. Employees feel more confident and contribute more towards building a better environment around them.

Different types of whistleblowing: How whistleblowers can report?

Given below are various whistleblowing reporting channels that an employee or third-party individual can use to report violations.

Internal reporting channel

Various companies have set up an internal whistleblowing channel to help employees and suppliers submit important information to a trusted compliance manager in the company. In this way, all the information stays inside the company and allows the organisation to take immediate action before the issue is released to the public. A company should encourage employees to use an internal whistleblowing channel via a digital system like an email, phone, or a direct meeting.

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External reporting channel

This type of reporting channel involves reporting of violations and incidents outside the organisation to government agencies. External reporting can also be submitted digitally through a phone call, email, or a direct meeting. It is recommended to use an external channel when there is no response from the internal channel or in the absence of an internal channel.

Public reporting channel

Public reporting channels involve the process of reporting incidents through media and other public channels like social media. It is generally considered as the last step of reporting and should be used when internal and external reporting channels do not respond.

Conclusion

In order to maintain transparency and fairness, an internal platform for reporting should be established that sets up a proper process to be followed by the employees. A whistleblowing platform will serve as a safe channel to file reports and maintain accountability in the workplace.