Stay Informed with Our Engaging Ethics and Compliance Blog

Larger organizations understand the crucial role that whistleblower hotlines play within their business structure. Those that are publicly traded are mandated to have a system in place for the receipt of whistleblower complaints. But many smaller organization may not understand just how crucial a role whistleblower hotlines play in promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct. There are several misconceptions surrounding whistleblowing, particularly when it comes to small businesses. This blog post debunks six common myths smaller businesses have about whistleblowing and will highlight the important role hotlines play in fostering a supportive environment for whistleblowers.

Consider hiring a whistleblower Whistleblowers have often been placed in a category of 'trouble makers' - those who stir up trouble and cause inconveniences for companies. Yet, we have shifted our perceptions of whistleblowers considerably, to the point where companies are beginning to (and many have) recognize the value that whistleblowers bring to the table. This post will explore reasons why companies should consider hiring a whistleblower. These are words that were not typically spoken together in the past. Let's change the narrative. Embracing transparency and empowering individuals who speak-up can lead to a stronger organizational culture, improved ethics, and enhanced operational efficiency.

In today's fast-paced business world, it's becoming increasingly important for organizations to maintain ethical standards and practices. However, even with the best intentions, it can be difficult for businesses to identify and address ethical issues that may arise within the company. This is where ethics hotlines come in — providing a safe and confidential platform for employees to report any ethical concerns.

Do you have a Code of Ethics or a Code of Conduct? What is a Code of Ethics? What is a Code of Conduct? They are, in fact, two unique documents. A Code of Ethics governs decision-making, and a Code of Conduct govern actions. They both represent two common ways that companies self-regulate. They are often associated with large companies, and provide direction to employees and establish a public image of good behavior, both of which benefit businesses of any size.

Compliance culture is a critical part of any organization’s success, regardless of its size, industry, or location. Companies prioritizing compliance programs are better equipped to manage risk, protect their brand and reputation, and maintain trust with clients and relevant stakeholders. Creating a compliance culture takes time and strategy, so we put together a list of tips to help you develop yours.

Most of us now understand that whistleblowing is an act of courage, where an employee reports alleged misconduct or illegal activities. However, for some the result of speaking up is retaliation from the employer and co-workers. For most organizations, retaliation against whistleblowers is a matter of when and not if. This reality highlights the critical need for leaders to implement strategies to manage retaliation allegations while minimizing risk to the organization.