Whistleblower protection - remedying grievances, improving corporate culture.

Since December 2023, all companies and organisations with more than 50 employees must set up an internal whistleblower system. Implementation can be a challenge for companies. The @-yet helps you to establish clear structures and processes to prevent internal grievances and strengthen employees' trust in their own company.

Whistleblower protection promotes employee trust

A whistleblower system supports you in fulfilling your compliance obligations. Much more important than this, however, is gaining the trust of your employees. The protection of whistleblowers underlines your commitment to transparency and ethical behaviour. This has a noticeably positive impact on your corporate culture. Employees feel safer to report grievances without fear of being penalised. This leads to early identification and rectification of problems and promotes open communication. Your employees have a more positive perception of your company.

Three steps to whistleblower protection with @-yet

With @-yet's three-stage process, you can implement legally compliant whistleblower protection, involve important interest groups such as the works council and strengthen your digital sovereignty:
 

  1. Setting up a reporting system
  2. Operation of a reporting centre
  3. Carrying out internal investigations
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The benefits of whistleblower protection

Ensure legal certainty

Comply with legal requirements and binding processes.

Avert financial damage

Prevent fines, economic damage and loss of image.

Improve corporate culture

Give employees a sense of security and trust.

For transparency, against corruption

The Whistleblower Protection Act has been in force since December 2023

The Whistleblower Protection Act is based on Directive (EU) 2019/1937, which was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on 23 October 2019. This directive aims to establish a uniform minimum standard for the protection of whistleblowers. It was introduced to provide whistleblowers with a secure framework. The aim is to publicise abuses such as corruption, financial fraud or discrimination within the company without the whistleblowers having to fear reprisals or legal consequences. This is intended to encourage them to report offences without fear of personal detriment. This is crucial for maintaining transparency and integrity within the European Union.

The Whistleblower Protection Act covers a wide range of potential offences. These include corruption, environmental pollution, misuse of public funds, violations of labour rights and discrimination. The law not only ensures the protection of whistleblowers. It is also a decisive step towards effectively combating and preventing such practices.

We don't just fulfil standards. We set them.

The legally compliant implementation of the Whistleblower Protection Act is an important concern for us. It is an important part of our mission: more digital sovereignty for companies. We are also committed to this in our association work.

Arrange a no-obligation initial consultation

Mastering the challenges of the Whistleblower Protection Act

Introducing whistleblower protection in line with legal and data protection requirements

Companies face many challenges when implementing whistleblower protection. The protection of whistleblowers is a top priority. The first challenge is therefore to set up secure reporting channels. These must ensure the confidentiality of a report through technical and organisational measures. Another important aspect of this is ensuring data protection when processing reports.

Employees must be comprehensively informed and trained about the reporting channels and the protection of whistleblowers. This includes raising awareness of the importance of whistleblowing. The administration of the reporting systems and the processing of reports received requires human and financial resources. This is a particular challenge for smaller companies with limited personnel capacities. An even greater hurdle can be the creation of a corporate culture that recognises and supports whistleblowing as a positive contribution. Such a cultural change requires long-term persuasion and change processes.

In addition to these aspects, the legal complexity of the topic itself is a challenge. The lawyers at @-yet are at your side to support you in introducing a whistleblowing system that complies with data protection and legal requirements.

Fear-free, simple and motivating

Understanding whistleblowing as a positive contribution

For many companies, the introduction of a whistleblowing system is mandatory. However, despite all the associated challenges, such a system brings many advantages for your company. You recognise breaches of laws, internal guidelines or compliance regulations at an early stage. This enables you to react quickly and effectively. You effectively minimise the risk of financial losses due to fines or claims for damages.

By implementing such a system, you show that you are aware of your responsibility for ethical behaviour. This not only strengthens the trust of your employees, but also that of your customers and business partners.

The whistleblower system also contributes to a more open and trusting corporate culture. Your employees can report grievances without fear of reprisals. You will notice this in higher employee satisfaction and greater commitment.

By introducing the whistleblower system, you demonstrate that trusting relationships with your employees are important to you. This will have a positive effect on the working atmosphere and will also be a decisive advantage when recruiting qualified specialists. With the support of @-yet, you show that trust is important to you.

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Independent, competent and trustworthy

@-yet as internal reporting centre

There are two types of reporting centres for reports of misconduct by a company:

  1. Our Service

    Internal reporting centre

    Whistleblowing as a service: We set up and operate the internal reporting centre with an independent and professionally trained confidential counsellor.

    No-obligation advice
  2. External reporting centre

    These are, for example, the Federal Office of Justice, the Federal Cartel Office, BaFin or, in the case of clear violations of the law or criminal offences, the police.

Specialist lawyers support you with whistleblower protection

The requirements of the Whistleblower Protection Act can be a complex challenge for many companies. In order to fully cover all legal aspects, a team of experienced specialist lawyers is on hand to help you implement these requirements. If you have any questions about whistleblower protection, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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At a glance:

The benefits of whistleblower protection for your company

  1. Whistleblowers are valuable

    The Whistleblower Protection Act gives companies and organisations new opportunities
     

    • to preserve and strengthen their integrity,
    • improve the internal culture,
    • motivate and retain employees,
    • avert economic damage,
    • and avoid reputational damage.
  2. Urgent need for action now

    The Whistleblower Protection Act (HinSchG) has been in force since December 2023 for companies with 50 or more employees.
    By setting up a reporting centre and reporting process, you can avoid potential fines and claims for damages.

Get advice from our security experts

Non-binding, free of charge, comprehensive. Make an appointment now!

The security and data protection experts at @-yet are available to provide you with a comprehensive initial consultation.

Phone : +49 2175 16 55 0
Email: info@at-yet.de

Or you can use this form to contact us.

We look forward to hearig from you!