Annual Speak Out Report
Foreword
I am pleased to present the Annual Speak Out Report for the year 2023. This report offers an insightful overview of the data collected through our Speak Up platform, highlighting key trends in employee-reported behaviours. It also underscores our commitment to psychological safety in the workplace, a goal that has been significantly supported by the initiatives of the Speak Out campaign.
Executive Summary
In 2023, the Speak Up platform continued to be an essential tool for employees to voice concerns, incidents, and suggestions regarding workplace behaviours. The Speak Out specialists have contributed to this platform's success by fostering an environment where employees feel safer and more encouraged to share their experiences and suggestions.
Summary of Reports 2022/23
Types of Behaviors Reported
| Bullying | 197 |
|---|---|
| Discrimination | 171 |
| General concern | 162 |
| Harassment | 179 |
| I'm not sure | 153 |
| Inappropriate contact | 160 |
| Online bullying and harassment | 155 |
| Other | 168 |
| Wellbeing concern | 196 |
Behaviours Reported
- Harassment & Discrimination: Accounting for 23% of the submissions, efforts to address these issues have been augmented by the supportive environment fostered in part by the Speak Out specialists.
- Bullying & Incivility: These reports, comprising 21%, highlight the need for continued focus on promoting a respectful workplace culture, a goal towards which the Speak Out specialists have made some contributions.
- Ethical Concerns: Making up 18% of the reports, addressing these concerns remains a priority, with the Speak Out specialists playing a role in reinforcing the importance of our ethical standards.
- Others: This category encompasses various issues, reflecting the broad scope of concerns that employees feel empowered to report in the psychologically safer environment fostered over the past year.
Comparison Across Business Functions
| IT | Operations | Sales | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullying | 27 | 40 | 28 | 95 |
| Discrimination | 20 | 35 | 19 | 74 |
| General concern | 25 | 27 | 19 | 71 |
| Harassment | 27 | 27 | 22 | 76 |
| Inappropriate contact | 21 | 21 | 18 | 60 |
| Online bullying and harassment | 24 | 20 | 18 | 62 |
| Other | 25 | 23 | 18 | 66 |
| Wellbeing concern | 28 | 32 | 18 | 78 |
This section analyzes how different departments have responded to the initiatives, including those influenced by the Speak Out specialists, providing insights into areas of progress and opportunities for further development.
Sales & Marketing: Reports related to harassment and discrimination were more prevalent in this department compared to others. Steps will be taken to reinforce our diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Claims & Underwriting: Bullying and incivility reports were slightly higher in this department, indicating a need for enhanced conflict resolution strategies and communication training.
Finance & Administration: Ethical concerns were more frequently reported in this department. We will continue to emphasize ethical behaviour and provide resources for ethical decision-making.
Operations & IT: Health and safety concerns were predominantly reported here, prompting a review of safety protocols and incident reporting mechanisms.
Outcomes and Steps We Are Taking To Build A Safer Culture
| Closed as anonymous | 88 |
|---|---|
| Duplicate/spam/test | 92 |
| Informal action (with support) | 91 |
| No further action | 90 |
| None | 133 |
| Referred to formal complaint/grievance or disciplinary (with support) | 91 |
| Referred to formal complaint/grievance or disciplinary (without support) | 93 |
| Referred to the police | 111 |
| Support only (external) | 86 |
| Support only (internal) | 87 |
Summary of Outcomes
The positive trends observed in this year's report are partly attributable to the improved speak-up culture, to which the Speak Out specialists have contributed. The report outlines specific strategies for continuing this positive trajectory, informed by the lessons learned from these initiatives.
Conclusion
Looking ahead, we aim to maintain the momentum in creating a workplace where every employee feels respected and empowered to voice their concerns. The role of the Speak Out specialists in this process, while significant, is one part of our broader commitment to enhancing our workplace culture. This commitment positions us closer to our goal of being an industry leader, not only in business but also in cultivating a safe and inclusive work environment.