How to Report Workplace Misconduct

1. Recognizing reportable behavior

Reportable misconduct often includes:

• Fraud or financial wrongdoing—false reporting, embezzlement, bribery, kickbacks
• Harassment or discrimination—based on protected characteristics
• Safety or environmental violations—that put people or the environment at risk
• Legal or regulatory breaches—violations of laws or rules that apply to your organization
• Retaliation—against someone for having reported or for cooperating with an investigation

If you are unsure whether something is reportable, consider your organization’s policy, applicable laws, and whether the conduct could cause serious harm.

2. Gathering evidence safely

Document what you have observed in a way that keeps you safe:

• Record dates, times, locations, and who was involved or present
• Note what was said or done—stick to facts you personally know
• Keep copies of documents or messages in a secure, private place (not only on work systems)
• Avoid confronting the person or discussing your plans in places that could be overheard or monitored

3. Choosing a reporting channel

Options often include:

• Internal: HR, compliance, ethics hotline, or a manager you trust—if your policy or situation supports it
• External: A regulator, law enforcement, or a secure anonymous platform such as EZ Report

Choose a channel that you trust and that fits your need for confidentiality or anonymity. If you fear retaliation, an anonymous or external option may be safer.

4. Protecting yourself

Before and after reporting:

• Understand your whistleblower rights in your jurisdiction (see our Whistleblower Rights by Country and Retaliation Guide)
• Use anonymous or confidential reporting if that reduces your risk
• Keep your own copy of what you reported and when
• If you experience retaliation, document it and consider legal advice

5. What to expect after reporting

Responses vary by organization and channel. You may receive:

• An acknowledgment that your report was received
• Information on next steps or timeframes (if the channel provides it)
• Requests for more information—you can choose whether and how to respond

With EZ Report you keep control: you can add information, follow up, or share your report with someone else (e.g., escalation) when you are ready.

Related resources

• Anonymous Reporting Best Practices
• Whistleblower Retaliation Guide
• Whistleblower FAQ