The document presents findings from Whistleb's study on corporate whistleblowing, conducted in June 2016, involving over 100 Swedish companies and organizations. It reveals that organizations receive about one report per 500-1000 employees annually, with common issues reported including fraud, corruption, and workplace discrimination. Key success factors for effective whistleblowing services include anonymous reporting and a reliable investigation process.

1. WhistleB, Whistleblowing Centre
PO Box 70396 Visiting address: World Trade Centre www.whistleb.com
SE 107 24 Stockholm Klarabergsviadukten 70, Stockholm
Phone:+46 70 214 88 73 Sweden
1
Corporate whistleblowing - what to expect?
Findings from WhistleB’s study on corporate whistleblowing, July 2016

2. WhistleB, Whistleblowing Centre
PO Box 70396 Visiting address: World Trade Centre www.whistleb.com
SE 107 24 Stockholm Klarabergsviadukten 70, Stockholm
Phone:+46 70 214 88 73 Sweden
2
About the study
- The study was conducted in June 2016, and combines results from 100+ Swedish
companies, authorities and organisations.
- The study was conducted by WhistleB and EY.
- The participants answered a web-based questionnaire using the WhistleB
whistleblowing channel. The response rate varies between questions.
- The participants were able to answer anonymously.

3. WhistleB, Whistleblowing Centre
PO Box 70396 Visiting address: World Trade Centre www.whistleb.com
SE 107 24 Stockholm Klarabergsviadukten 70, Stockholm
Phone:+46 70 214 88 73 Sweden
3
Summary of findings:
How many reports has your organisation received?
Aggregated result: 1 report per 500-1000* employees and
year (*788).
The number of reports received varies between sectors and
countries of operation, and not as much between
organisation sizes.
Approximately every third report led to an anonymous
dialogue between the whistleblower and the employer.
What kind of issues have been reported through the
whistleblowing channel?
1. Fraud cases, theft
2. Corruption, bribes
3. Discrimination, harassment,
workplace
4. Health & safety

4. WhistleB, Whistleblowing Centre
PO Box 70396 Visiting address: World Trade Centre www.whistleb.com
SE 107 24 Stockholm Klarabergsviadukten 70, Stockholm
Phone:+46 70 214 88 73 Sweden
4
Who is invited to report?
Escalation of whistleblowing cases
Summary of responds:
Most organisations report to the board of directors on a quarterly or a biannual basis, and
to the management team more often, often on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Severe cases
are an exception. Then there is a faster escalation process.
The results of whistleblowing reporting are often presented as statistics (number of reports
and the nature of the incident, as well as other company-specific indicators). At the same
time, we see that some organisations want to escalate whistleblowing reports directly to
the board of directors. "The board gets all the reports in condensed format.”
Example of external stakeholders:
- Suppliers
- Customers
- General public

5. WhistleB, Whistleblowing Centre
PO Box 70396 Visiting address: World Trade Centre www.whistleb.com
SE 107 24 Stockholm Klarabergsviadukten 70, Stockholm
Phone:+46 70 214 88 73 Sweden
5
Major benefits of a corporate whistleblowing service
Success factors for a corporate whistleblowing service
"We see that reporting increases when the employees can report with
guaranteed anonymity and in their own language."
"That there is a channel to report for those who want to be anonymous, and that there is a
structured process for reporting and for handling of cases."
"The most important thing is to show that there is a serious process. We have
received more tips through the channel than I expected. "
Main success factors: Anonymous reporting and a trustworthy investigation process.

6. WhistleB, Whistleblowing Centre
PO Box 70396 Visiting address: World Trade Centre www.whistleb.com
SE 107 24 Stockholm Klarabergsviadukten 70, Stockholm
Phone:+46 70 214 88 73 Sweden
6
“A whistleblowing function that members of staff can trust is a key
sustainability tool for the board. It is important that irregularities… can be
reported anonymously, for example through an independent external third
party.”
Leif Johansson, chairman of Ericsson and AstraZeneca, former CEO of Volvo.
Quote from the handbook “Sustainable Profit”
by the founders of WhistleB, Whistleblowing Centre
For more information about the study and other questions concerning
corporate whistleblowing, please contact Karin Henriksson, Co-founder
of WhistleB, karin.henriksson@whistleb.com