Discover how investigation timeliness, reporter communication and follow-through shape confidence in your reporting process.
Identify operational gaps that create delays, discourage reporting and reduce visibility into workplace concerns.
Go beyond report volume with benchmarks and metrics that reveal the true health of your speak-up program.
Employees are more likely to report concerns when they trust they’ll be heard, treated fairly and protected from retaliation. But even well-intentioned speak-up programs can lose credibility when investigations drag on, communication breaks down or employees don’t see meaningful follow-through. When employees stay silent, organizations lose valuable visibility into workplace issues, misconduct and emerging risks.
The most effective speak-up programs measure signals that reveal whether employees trust the reporting process and evaluate whether concerns are handled effectively.
More than half of compliance professionals say fear of negative career consequences is the biggest barrier preventing employees from speaking up.
Average Case Closure Time increased by 33% from 2024 to 2025, highlighting the importance of timely investigations to maintain employee trust.
Organizations tracking multiple reporting channels receive more than twice as many reports as those relying only on web and hotline reporting.
This ebook helps you identify the operational gaps that quietly undermine employee trust and provides practical ways to strengthen every stage of your speak-up program.
You’ll learn how leading organizations avoid mistakes like:
Each chapter also includes practical recommendations, benchmark data and quick self-assessment questions to help you evaluate your own speak-up program.
Download this ebook if you’re looking to:
Whether you work in Ethics & Compliance, HR, Employee Relations, Legal, Internal Audit or Risk Management, you’ll find practical guidance to help strengthen your speak-up program.
A speak-up program gives employees and other stakeholders a safe way to report concerns about misconduct, unethical behavior or potential compliance issues. Effective programs combine accessible reporting channels with trusted investigation processes, clear communication and protections against retaliation.
Employees are less likely to speak up when they fear retaliation, don’t trust the investigation process or believe nothing will happen after they submit a report. Building trust requires timely investigations, consistent follow-up and visible accountability.
Strong speak-up cultures are built through consistent action. Organizations strengthen employee trust by promoting reporting channels, responding promptly to concerns, communicating throughout the investigation process and using reporting insights to improve policies and workplace culture.
Report volume is only one indicator of program health. Organizations should also evaluate investigation timeliness, substantiation rates, reporting trends, case outcomes and employee confidence in the reporting process.
An ethics hotline is one reporting channel within a broader speak-up program. A complete speak-up program also includes investigations, anti-retaliation practices, employee training, policy management, communication and ongoing program measurement.
18 Mar 2026 NAVEX Editorial Team
Speak-up culture is revealed through patterns, not promises. Learn which signals matter most for oversight and trust.
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23 Jun 2026 NAVEX Editorial Team
In this blog, we explore retaliation, early warning signs and how to protect reporters.
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Guides
Benchmark your internal reporting against 15 years of global data. See how Reports per 100 Employees have changed over time and what this data reveals about your speak-up culture.
Get the guide
16 Apr 2026 NAVEX Editorial Team
Closing the loop on internal investigations turns findings into corrective action. Learn how remediation, accountability, and governance visibility strengthen compliance programs.
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9 Mar 2026 NAVEX Editorial Team
Trust in speak-up programs is built after a report is made. Learn how investigations and follow-through protect whistleblowers and organizations alike.
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25 May 2026 NAVEX Editorial Team
Learn what a whistleblowing hotline is, how modern reporting channels work and what a healthy hotline program should look like.
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Download 7 Mistakes That Undermine Your Speak-Up Program to identify the operational gaps that weaken employee trust and learn practical ways to build a stronger, more effective speak-up program.
