Sexual harassment is an issue that many companies still face and take seriously. Here’s what organizations like yours need to know about creating a safe and harassment-free work environment for employees to thrive. Clear Policies and Procedures Sexual harassment aversion starts with information. The ethics policies you create should be very clear about your zero tolerance for the unethical behavior. And employees have to first understand the definition of sexual harassment, so they know how to identify it. Then, they need to be instructed and reminded of how to report it. Consider providing wr ..read more

Office and corporate businesses aren’t the only organizations using ethics hotlines. Warehouse workers can benefit from having an ethics hotline, too. If your warehouse, manufacturing, or distribution center needs a better solution to support and improve ethics, keep reading. Today’s companies are finding layers of advantages with an ethics hotline. Report Unethical Behavior An ethics hotline provides warehouse workers with a confidential and anonymous channel to report unethical behavior. Much like an office setting, warehouse workers can be vulnerable to similar ethics violations. Harassment ..read more

Ethics hotlines play a crucial role in fostering a culture of transparency within a company’s culture. In the present employee-driven workplace, employers have to prioritize an equitable and positive work culture. To do that, many are turning to ethics hotlines. Today, we’re highlighting how hotlines can improve your workplace dynamics for staff and reinforcing why so many companies are adopting hotlines in 2024. Encouraging Reporting Ethics hotlines provide a confidential and anonymous channel for employees to report unethical behavior, compliance violations, or other misconduct without fear ..read more

If you’re still on the fence about whether or not your business could benefit from an ethics hotline, find all the latest answers to your burning questions here. Based on our experience with developing, launching, and managing ethics hotlines, here are eight of the most common questions. 1. What is an ethics hotline? The official definition of an ethics hotline is this: a confidential and anonymous reporting mechanism provided by any organization to allow employees, customers, suppliers, and others to report concerns about unethical behavior, compliance violations, or misconduct within the org ..read more

US law protects whistleblowers who come forward to report illegal company activity. And in a recent Supreme Court ruling, another layer of whistleblower protection has been solidified. See why this latest unanimous Supreme Court decision is a wide-reaching decision that not only impacts the offending company but reinforces statutes for any business to follow in 2024. The Details of the UBS Securities Case A former research analyst for UBS Securities sued the firm back in 2012, claiming he had been fired for complaining about internal pressure to alter reports. Trevor Murray cited that he’d bee ..read more

The key to ethics policy oversight and successful implementation is employee and stakeholder support. When everyone understands the rules, it’s easier to play. However, as companies prioritize ethics policies within their organizations, they sometimes overlook training. Ethics training should be just as important as ethics enforcement. And today, we’re sharing ways your company can improve its ethics training efforts. Make Your Ethics Training an Ongoing Effort Employees need ongoing training to reinforce complex layers of ethics guidelines and requirements. For example, scheduling quarterly t ..read more

Companies typically follow objectives that lead to growth and scaling. But when you’re branching out with new offerings or opening new markets, additional challenges come, too. And while you’re focused on expansion, don’t overlook the additional ethics considerations. Scaling into new markets with your organization is exciting. However, with growth comes additional opportunities for ethical violations. Today, we’re highlighting what ethics policy-related efforts you should be making in tandem with your company’s growth. Take these into consideration as your company expands, knowing your ethics ..read more

Retail business is booming, especially with eCommerce and online expansions to traditional storefront businesses. And with the surge in digital transactions comes a new wave of potential risks. Today, we’re sharing insights for entrepreneurs in the retail sector to use to reduce those risks – more specifically, related to ethics. Take a deep dive to learn what your store can do differently to make your ethics initiatives more impactful. Look for Ways to Promote Ethics in Sustainable Products One way today’s retailers can promote ethics in sustainability is by sourcing products from suppliers w ..read more

In a perfect world, no one would have to use your ethics hotline to report misconduct or suspicious unethical behavior. But the reality is that when you have an ethics hotline in place, you can expect customers, vendors, employees, and visitors alike to use it. Now, how you handle those anonymous reports will determine if, in fact, a violation has taken place. Today, we’re discussing what happens during the investigation process, so you can find valuable insights in developing yours. The Goal of an Ethics Hotline Investigation Not every report that comes into your ethics hotline will have adve ..read more

You’ve deliberated about launching an ethics hotline for your business but remain on the fence. You recognize the benefits, like potential cost savings, reduced ethical risks, and boosted company culture. And while you consider your company’s need for an anonymous whistleblower hotline, be mindful of the following signs. These red flags suggest now is the time to embrace the high-value results of an ethics hotline. 1. Your Teams Feel Pressure to Meet Metrics or Productivity Objectives If your employees are in high-pressure roles to meet strict or timely goals, the environment can lead to stres ..read more