Almost 1/3 of employees kept their mouths shut after witnessing workplace misconduct, with 43% fearing that speaking up would cost them their job, according to a survey of U.S. workers.
The findings come from the Institute of Business Ethics’ 2024 Ethics at Work Survey, which polled around 750 employees. Nearly 23% observed illegal or unethical behavior at work in the past year while 35% believed speaking up would lead to no action. For the 67% who did voice concerns, nearly half faced retaliation or personal disadvantage as a result.
David Grayson, the IBE’s Chair of Trustees, said that organizations should be aiming to foster a “speak-up” culture that allows employees to both “challenge” the negative and “champion” the positive.
“We shouldn’t think about ‘speak up’ in isolation,” he said. “It’s part of having a vibrant, sustainable culture where employees feel empowered and engaged in the purpose and success of the business. When they are, they are more likely to challenge what might be unethical behaviour and also champion innovation ideas and intrapreneurial solutions that will advance the success of the business.”
Workplaces and workers alike would benefit from adopting similar policies and culture.
Check out other findings of the survey here: https://ow.ly/wNrr50TZWLr
