����ֱ��

A Whistleblower Policy establishes clear rules and protections for employees who report wrongdoing within their organization. Following Austria's EU Whistleblower Protection Act, it creates safe channels for staff to raise concerns about fraud, corruption, or legal violations without fear of retaliation.

The policy outlines specific reporting procedures, guarantees confidentiality, and explains how the company will investigate reports. It helps Austrian businesses meet their legal obligations while fostering a speak-up culture where employees feel secure bringing serious issues to light. Organizations must implement these policies thoughtfully to balance compliance requirements with practical workplace needs.

Organizations need a Whistleblower Policy when they employ 50 or more people, as required by Austria's implementation of EU whistleblowing laws. Even smaller companies benefit from having one ready before misconduct occurs—it's much harder to create proper reporting channels during an active crisis.

The policy becomes essential when expanding operations, taking on government contracts, or working with sensitive data. It protects both the organization and employees by establishing clear procedures before issues arise. Many Austrian companies implement these policies during compliance updates, merger preparations, or after internal audits reveal gaps in their reporting systems.

• Basic Internal Channel Policy: Focuses on internal reporting procedures, confidentiality measures, and basic protections for employees in smaller organizations
• Comprehensive Multi-Channel Policy: Includes both internal and external reporting options, detailed investigation procedures, and extensive anti-retaliation provisions
• Group-Wide Whistleblower Policy: Designed for Austrian companies with international subsidiaries, addressing cross-border reporting and multiple jurisdictions
• Industry-Specific Policy: Tailored for sectors like banking or healthcare, incorporating sector-specific compliance requirements and reporting mechanisms

• HR Directors and Legal Teams: Draft and maintain the Whistleblower Policy, ensuring it meets Austrian legal requirements and EU directives
• Management Board: Approves the policy and oversees its implementation across the organization
• Compliance Officers: Handle day-to-day administration, receive reports, and coordinate investigations
• Employees: Protected by and bound to follow the policy's reporting procedures when raising concerns
• Works Council: Reviews and provides input on policy terms, representing worker interests in its development

• Company Structure Review: Document your organization's size, subsidiaries, and reporting lines to determine policy scope
• Reporting Channels: Identify internal contacts who will handle reports and outline investigation procedures
• Legal Requirements: Check current Austrian whistleblowing laws and EU directives for compliance standards
• Works Council Input: Consult employee representatives early in the drafting process
• Technical Infrastructure: Plan secure reporting mechanisms and documentation systems
• Policy Generator: Use our platform to create a compliant template that includes all mandatory elements

• Scope Statement: Clear definition of covered misconduct and who can report under Austrian law
• Reporting Procedures: Detailed internal and external channels for submitting concerns confidentially
• Protection Measures: Anti-retaliation provisions and confidentiality guarantees for whistleblowers
• Investigation Process: Timeline and steps for handling reports, including documentation requirements
• Data Protection: GDPR-compliant procedures for handling personal information
• Works Council Rights: Specific mention of employee representative involvement
• Implementation Details: Training requirements and policy review procedures

While both documents focus on workplace misconduct, a Whistleblower Policy differs significantly from a Compliance and Ethics Policy. Understanding these differences helps organizations maintain proper legal coverage under Austrian law.

• Primary Focus: Whistleblower Policies specifically address reporting procedures and protections for employees who report misconduct, while Compliance and Ethics Policies outline broader ethical standards and expected behavior
• Legal Requirements: Whistleblower Policies must meet strict EU directive requirements for reporting channels and protection measures, whereas Compliance Policies have more flexible structuring options
• Implementation Scope: Whistleblower Policies require specific reporting mechanisms and investigation procedures, while Compliance Policies typically cover day-to-day operational conduct and general compliance matters
• Enforcement Mechanism: Whistleblower Policies include legally mandated protections against retaliation, while Compliance Policies focus on preventive measures and general disciplinary procedures