Tunisia Takes Step Towards Creating Safe Space for Whistleblowers
In February 2017, Tunisia adopted Article 17, which protects whistleblowers, marking a significant step towards establishing the country as an economic leader in the region. The government’s five-year strategy emphasizes improving the business environment, and recent reforms aim to achieve this goal.
A Welcome Development
However, until these new laws are proven effective, employees should exercise caution and seek legal advice before raising concerns. Organizations with whistleblower protection clauses will undoubtedly benefit from the appearance of a strengthened rule of law.
The Importance of Top-Level Management Support
Recent whistleblower cases highlight that even certified compliance policies do not guarantee protection against retaliation when confidential information is publicly exposed. It’s crucial for top-level management to support whistleblowers, ensuring they feel safe reporting concerns without fear of reprisal.
Creating a Safe Space for Employees
To create a safe space for employees to raise concerns, organizations should:
- Publish a well-defined whistleblower protection policy
- Provide regular training and awareness workshops
- Ensure evidence of support from top management
Understanding Whistleblowing Protection
Whistleblowing is the act of informing an internal or external authority of a suspected legal or ethical corporate transgression. In some jurisdictions, employees are directed towards specific external agencies, while in others, organizational policy decides the process.
It’s essential to understand that whistleblower protection can only be guaranteed if the stipulated process is followed. Failure to adhere to the process may reduce the ability of the whistleblower to access legal redress.
The Protection of Whistleblowers: A Gamechanger
In a time of shifting geopolitical power bases, proactive governments are doing what they can to encourage investment by enhancing reputations through whistleblower protection clauses. These new laws in various countries, including Tunisia, are a welcome development, but it’s in the application that they will succeed or fail.
The Role of Organizations
Organizations play a vital role in assuring the international business community that the rule of law will be adhered to. Companies should review and update their whistleblower policies and procedures as they relate to operations in specific jurisdictions, in accordance with recent regulatory updates.
The Case for Whistleblower Protection
Wendy Addison, founder and owner of SpeakOut SpeakUp, emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for employees to raise concerns. “Due diligence is always preferred to an unpleasant surprise,” she says. Gillian Faichnie, a communications specialist, highlights the need for organizations to put processes in place to create a safe space for whistleblowers.
Conclusion
As Tunisia continues to work towards establishing itself as an economic leader, it’s essential that organizations prioritize whistleblower protection to ensure a safe and transparent business environment. By putting processes in place and prioritizing employee safety, organizations can create a positive and productive work culture.