How Electrolux Group modernised their ethics framework through simplified reporting and case management 

Electrolux Group, a global leader in home appliances, is dedicated to creating better living experiences through sustainability and innovation. At the heart of their operations is a commitment to integrity, ethics, and compliance, which is overseen by People First team under the Group People and Communications Function.

Electrolux Group values transparency and empowers its employees to raise concerns through its whistleblowing platform, the Electrolux Group SpeakUp Line. This aligns with the company’s core values of trust, accountability, and integrity.

Modernising the reporting system

As part of its Ethics Framework initiative, the Group identified key areas that required improvement in their whistleblowing system. The existing platform was call-center based and had other limitations that needed addressing to better support the Group’s compliance goals:

1. Improving accessibility for employees, especially those reporting misconduct via phone.

2. Streamlining case management, ensuring reports were efficiently categorised, assigned, and investigated. ‍

3. Reducing out-of-scope reports by improving communication around what should be reported and how.

Additionally, the company required a platform that would integrate seamlessly with its cross-functional governance model, involving Legal, Internal Audit, and Group People and Communications, while keeping the system user-friendly for employees globally.

Why Electrolux Group chose SpeakUp

After a thorough evaluation of potential whistleblowing platforms, in late 2023, Electrolux Group made the decision to upgrade its whistleblowing system to SpeakUp. By May 2024, the new platform was fully operational, delivering improvements that aligned with the company's focus on modernisation and detailed case handling.

Electrolux Group particularly values SpeakUp’s focus on:

• Modernising their approach to whistleblowing management.

• Paying close attention to the technical details of secure communication, such as the safe sending of PDFs.

• Facilitating engagement in investigations in a more streamlined and technical way, improving efficiency and case resolution.

• User-friendly design that simplified phone-based reporting and improved overall accessibility for employees, removing barriers to reporting incidents.

• Advanced analytics and data management, allowing the company to collect, categorise, and use data to inform decisions and identify trends across their organisation.

• Comprehensive support system, including a detailed knowledge base and responsive customer service, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing assistance.

The SpeakUp Line provided an improved experience, enabling the Group to modernise its reporting system without overburdening employees with excessive questions.

"SpeakUp has proven to be a simpler and better tool, helping us improve accessibility while maintaining a smooth user experience."
— Electrolux Group Team

A data-driven approach to ethics

Since adopting SpeakUp, Electrolux Group has not only maintained the volume of reports but also seen improvements in the quality of data received. The platform’s reports and analytics have enabled the team to track trends, identify risks, and provide anonymised insights to management teams across the company’s various business areas.

This data-driven approach is helping the Group improve its internal culture, protect the voice of its reporters, and proactively address potential risks.

"While safeguarding the voice of the reporter remains our top priority, it is equally important to offer the organisation insights into the incoming reports and follow-up actions. We can now do this through the SpeakUp Line."
— Electrolux Group Team

Looking forward: SpeakUp’s role in their ethics framework

As Electrolux Group looks to the future, they’re all about going beyond just legal and data requirements to offer a forward-thinking solution.

As the Group continues to develop their Ethics Framework project, SpeakUp will remain a key partner. Moving forward, the company will focus on:

• Refining its analytics capabilities further, allowing for deeper insights and improved tracking of emerging trends.

• Enhancing storytelling in their reports, providing leadership with more actionable insights while maintaining the confidentiality and wellbeing of reporters.

• Holistic approach to ethics and compliance, where the focus moves beyond simply legal necessities and numbers.

"SpeakUp is helping us leverage reports to improve our culture, employee wellbeing, and minimise risks, promoting business integrity."
— Electrolux Group Team