In this fast-paced world driven by technology, businesses need to stay in step with advances in computers, cell phones, and even ethics policies and hotlines. Keep reading for tips on how to keep your business’ ethics reporting and compliance pathways relevant, with the help of some of the latest technologies.

Digital Solutions Encourage Growth and Engagement

Today’s businesses rely on a multitude of technological methods to conduct business. The old saying, there’s always room for improvement, is the standard when it comes to ethical behaviors in the digital world. However, with each technological upgrade comes ethical pitfalls such as data breaches, inappropriate sharing of information, or cyberbullying. When companies offer digital solutions that feature anonymous, safe, compliant reporting methods, it shows employees a commitment by management to maintain integrity, compliance, and, most importantly, ethical health. An ethics hotline can be set up using relevant, user-friendly technology to offer seamless confidential reporting and follow-up.

Ethical Hotlines Support Effective Ethics Compliance

Despite all the technology and lightning-speed transmitting, employees must be assured that their concerns are heard. An ethics hotline is the most effective method of reporting an ethics violation or concern. This hotline does not have to be a phone, although that option is certainly available and viable. Other reporting avenues such as an app on a cellphone, a secure website, or confidential email are all ways reporting can be done safely and confidentially.

Web-Based Options for Ethics Hotlines

The key takeaways from web-based ethics hotline reporting solutions are anonymity and ease of reporting. An ethics hotline web-based platform can be set up and tailored to specific company needs yet still offer that essential component of anonymity. The employee can access this platform at any time and can view the company’s ethics policies, methods of compliance, and reporting options, all at their fingertips. There are even ways to follow the investigation digitally without ever having to reveal identities. When employees are assured of their anonymity in reporting, incidents are likely to be brought to light rather than overlooked.

Tap into AI to Support Ethics Compliance

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a useful tool when it comes to using technology in a company’s ethics policy. Chatbots have no interest in the identity of the person reporting, the nature of their complaint, or who the complaint is about. Instead, the chatbot is programmed to direct the employee to the appropriate areas of a website or point them to the appropriate company channels.

Using Cellphones for Ethics Hotlines

Virtually every person now possesses a cellphone, and a very good grasp of how to use it. Offering an ethics hotline to employees gives them the freedom to access the ethics hotline from anywhere in the world. This is especially effective for those employees who work remotely or in the field. Cellphones can also give the user the ability to upload photos or documents related to their complaint.

Leverage Data Analytics to Track Usage Patterns

Technology gives companies the ability for real-time tracking of usage and resolution without revealing sensitive information. Management needs to have the ability to track the efficacy of the ethics hotline as well as employee knowledge and access to the ethics policies. A strong number of complaints that were satisfactorily resolved reassures companies and their employees that the ethics hotline is working.

Elevate Your Ethics Efforts with Ethical Advocate

A company’s ethics policy is an integral part of its business model, and an ethics hotline can be an essential component of upholding that policy. Ethical Advocate can customize an ethics policy and ethics hotline that is specific to your company’s needs. Let our team show you how to harness the latest tech to elevate your company’s ethics!