Why Anonymous Reporting Lines Pay Off
Workplace harassment is a pervasive issue that can have a significant impact on individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. According to Eurofound (European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions), around 5% of workers in the EU report being subjected to bullying or harassment at work — a figure that likely underrepresents the true extent due to underreporting. A 2019 EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) report found that:
- 32% of women in the EU have experienced sexual harassment at least once since the age of 15.
- 11% reported experiencing it in a work-related context.
Meanwhile, Eurostat data on workplace absenteeism and productivity indicates that psychosocial risks, including harassment, are major contributors to lost working days and early exits from the labour market.
The Impact of Harassment on Individuals
The victims of workplace harassment often experience a range of negative consequences, including stress, anxiety, depression, and physical health problems. They may also have difficulty concentrating, performing their job duties, and maintaining relationships with colleagues. In extreme cases, harassment can lead to suicide.
The Impact of Harassment on Organizations
Workplace harassment significantly undermines the work environment, leading to reduced productivity, increased employee turnover, and heightened legal and reputational risks for organizations. According to Eurofound, workers exposed to bullying and harassment are notably more likely to report absences due to work-related health issues. Specifically, 23% of these workers reported such absences, compared to 7% among those not exposed. Moreover, these individuals are overrepresented among workers taking 50 or more days off in the previous 12 months due to work-related health problem.
The Importance of Anonymous Reporting Lines
Anonymous reporting lines can help organizations to identify and address workplace harassment promptly and effectively. By providing a confidential and secure way for employees to report harassment, organizations can encourage more people to come forward. This can help to prevent harassment from escalating and to protect the victims.
The Benefits of Anonymous Reporting Lines
There are several benefits to implementing an anonymous reporting line for workplace harassment. These include:
- Increased reporting rates: Anonymous reporting lines can help to increase the number of reports of workplace harassment. This is because employees are more likely to report harassment if they know that their identity will be kept confidential. Some organisation reported +60% reporting after implementation.
- Improved investigation and resolution: Anonymous reporting lines can help to improve the investigation and resolution of workplace harassment complaints. This is because investigators can focus on the facts of the case without having to worry about protecting the identity of the victim.
- Reduced fear of retaliation: Anonymous reporting lines can help to reduce the fear of retaliation among victims of workplace harassment. This is because harassers are less likely to retaliate against someone if they do not know who reported them.
- Enhanced employee morale: Anonymous reporting lines can help to enhance employee morale by creating a more open and supportive work environment. This is because employees feel more confident that their concerns will be taken seriously and addressed promptly.
The Cost-Benefit Analysis
The cost of implementing an anonymous reporting line is relatively low compared to the cost of addressing workplace harassment. We lack data for Europe, but a EEOC study found that the average cost of resolving a workplace harassment complaint was $75,000. This includes the costs of investigation, legal fees, and lost productivity.
In contrast, the cost of implementing an anonymous reporting line is typically less than $10,000. This includes the costs of software, training, and support.
As a result, the cost-benefit analysis of implementing an anonymous reporting line is overwhelmingly positive. Organizations that implement these lines can save money, improve morale, and enhance their reputation.
Conclusion
Anonymous reporting lines are an essential tool for preventing and addressing workplace harassment. By providing a confidential and secure way for employees to report harassment, organizations can create a more safe and equitable work environment for all employees, decreasing the cost of workplace harassment.
Want to dive deeper? read https://blog.raiseyourconcern.com/2025/04/01/choosing-a-platform-over-a-email-reporting-system-why/
Sources
https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/system/files/2015-05/ef1054en.pdf
https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/it/violence-and-harassment
https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/sites/default/files/ef_files/docs/ewco/4EWCS/ef0698/chapter4.pdf
https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2025-04/7-3%20Work%20related%20violence%20%28ILO%29.pdf
https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2025-03/WP8%20Eur%20GBV%20in%20EU.pdf
EEOC – Select Task Force on the Study of Harassment in the Workplace