Employee concerns are actively solicited, impartially judged and transparently addressed

A Future-Fit Business takes steps to minimize employee concerns, and implements processes and policies to identify and deal fairly with any issues that do arise.

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About this goal

Companies depend on the commitment and motivation of their employees, so it is good business sense to engage them as much as possible.

The intent of this goal is to set a minimum threshold of acceptable performance in this regard, which means ensuring that the company does nothing to undermine its employees’ wellbeing.

No company can be completely free of employee concerns, but it must take all steps possible to minimize concerns, and to deal effectively and appropriately with any concerns that arise.

To be Future-Fit, a company must put in place appropriate mechanisms to identify and manage employee concerns, so that potentially serious issues and legitimate grievances do not go unaddressed.

Why this goal is needed

Despite legal protections in many developed countries, whistle-blowers still often experience negative outcomes and are deterred from speaking out.
A five-year study by Public Concern at Work found that more than 80% of employees who had raised concerns over workplace practices were dismissed, victimised or resigned.
Effective concerns mechanisms help to uncover illegal activity.
In 2016, occupational fraud caused $6.3 billion of company losses worldwide, with an average loss of $2.7 million per case. Companies with a dedicated reporting hotline in place were first alerted to instances of fraud by employees in 47% of cases, but only 28% of cases were reported by employees in companies with no such hotline.

SDGs this will contribute to

5. Gender equality
Providing women and girls with equal access to education, health care, decent work, and representation in decision-making processes will fuel sustainable economies and benefit communities and society at large.
Learn more about SDG 5
10. Reduced inequalities
Economic growth reduces poverty only if it is inclusive, yet inequality persists within and among countries, and large disparities remain in terms of access to health and education services and other assets.
Learn more about SDG 10
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
Trust is the foundation of a strong and resilient society. To foster trust, we must ensure that institutions at all levels are accountable, transparent, inclusive and just.
Learn more about SDG 16