Misconduct on the job - especially in connection with bribery - can cause great harm not only to a company and its employees, but to society as a whole. Employees and third parties who point out misconduct are often referred to as whistleblowers in international terminology. By submitting compliance reports, they demonstrate courage and integrity. Companies have a duty to protect them appropriately. Whistleblowers must not suffer any disadvantages as a result of providing compliance information.
New law to protect whistleblowers
To protect whistleblowers, the EU adopted the "Whistleblower Directive", which is currently being transposed into national law by the Austrian government. This so-called Whistleblower Protection Act obliges companies with more than 50 employees to set up an internal channel for reporting compliance tips within certain transitional periods. Such reporting channels are intended to make it easier for whistleblowers to point out violations.
REWE Group introduces digital reporting platform
At REWE Group, it was previously possible to report compliance violations by e-mail, telephone or letter. As a modern group of companies that relies on innovative solutions, REWE Group has established a digital reporting channel: With REWE Group Hintbox,it is now particularly easy to submit compliance tips - anonymously if desired. In addition, the new tool enables smooth, data protection-compliant communication between whistleblowers and the responsible compliance departments of REWE Group. Persons who wish to submit compliance tips without using the digital tool can also contact the REWE Group.
The REWE Group Hintbox will be available to both employees and external parties in German, English and a variety of other languages via the Internet. Information on the new platform has also been added to the REWE Group Code of Conduct.
How the new reporting platform works in detail is explained in the following video:
