Up Czech Republic, a specialist in employee care, has launched a new tool for implementing whistleblowing in companies. The comprehensive Up Whistleblowing solution helps companies and other organizations comply with a number of legal obligations that they must meet starting in August. Following modules such as Praise, Satisfaction Measurement, Survey, and Ask Your Employer, this is another tool within the My Up platform that contributes to building a healthy corporate culture.
Standard practice abroad, a novelty here
Whistleblowing is a situation where a whistleblower reports possible illegal activity that they have learned about in connection with their work or other similar activities. This could include, for example, corruption in the workplace, theft of company property, or non-compliance with safety standards. Companies and public entities must designate a person to receive and assess reports, while maintaining the confidentiality of their content and the identity of the whistleblower. Companies must also ensure that whistleblowers are not subjected to retaliation.
Introduction of an internal reporting system and protection of whistleblowers
On August 1, 2023, new legislation on the protection of whistleblowers came into force, imposing a number of new obligations on obligated entities. Entities with more than 250 employees had to set up an internal reporting system, ensure the receipt, assessment, and archiving of reports, and protect the identity of whistleblowers by the effective date of the law. For entities with 50 to 250 employees, the obligation to establish an internal reporting system was postponed until December 15, 2023..
„Právě nový zákon o ochraně oznamovatelů a směrnice EU 2019/1937 byly klíčovými zdroji při vývoji nového modulu. Výsledkem je komplexní sofistikované řešení Up Whistleblowing respektující veškeré zákonné požadavky. Modul může být v případě zájmu společnosti jednoduše a rychle integrován do motivační platformy Můj Up. Ti, kteří Můj Up nevyužívají, pak mohou podat oznámení prostřednictvím odkazu na webu partnera, kam službu umístíme,“ vysvětluje Petra Prchlíková, ředitelka obchodu společnosti Up Česká republika.
How it works
The module can be used within the My Up application, even without purchasing other products from Up Czech Republic. Reports can be submitted by employees or external persons in writing in digital form via a link to the Up Whistleblowing or My Up reporting questionnaire. Reports can be submitted both on a PC and within the My Up mobile application, and additional supporting materials such as photographs or scans of documents can also be attached to the report.
Můj Up also allows the relevant person to conveniently and comprehensively manage all reports received through the Můj Up app (Whistleblowing officer role). Last but not least, the relevant person is regularly notified of legal deadlines and their approaching expiry.
„V Česku je často whistleblowing mylně zaměňován, i vzhledem k historickým událostem, za udavačství. Taková interpretace je však naprosto chybná. Možnost bezpečně informovat o porušení etických či firemních pravidel, aniž by se oznamovatel musel obávat propuštění, snížení mzdy, šikany či jiného postižení, je naopak naprosto klíčová pro udržování zdravého jádra firmy a její bezproblémový chod,“ říká Prchlíková.
Module in basic version and customized
The new Up Whistleblowing module is available in three versions. The basic version provides access to the client portal for whistleblowers, containing mandatory information required by the Whistleblower Protection Act and information on the processing of personal data. It also includes the option to submit reports in written digital form and a document entitled “What needs to be fulfilled,” which contains a list of all new obligations. Additional documentation is available as part of the extension. The customized version also offers individual legal services related to the implementation of whistleblowing in cooperation with the law firm ROWAN LEGAL.
“We believe that our new module will save HR specialists time and money that they would otherwise have to invest in creating their own complex technological solutions, studying legislation, or meeting necessary deadlines. At the same time, we believe that with this new module, we will once again push the boundaries in our long-term effort to create a healthy corporate culture in companies,” concludes Prchlíková.
