The government’s adoption on April 2 of a draft law on whistleblower protection

The Polish government’s adoption of a draft law on the protection of whistleblowers on April 2 marks a milestone on the road to aligning the country’s legal order with European Union standards and requirements. In this article, we will take a closer look at the significance of the new law for the future of ethical organizational culture in Poland, the benefits of its introduction and the challenges Polish companies and institutions face in implementing it.

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In today’s world, where transparency and accountability are becoming a cornerstone of public trust, the role of whistleblowers – those who report legal violations in the workplace – is gaining importance. Their actions often expose corrupt practices, fraud or threats to public health and the environment. In response to the growing need to protect those who choose to stand up to wrongdoing, governments around the world, including Poland, are introducing new regulations.

The implementation of whistleblower protection systems in companies and institutions is not just an ethical issue, but is becoming a legal requirement, especially in the context of European Union directives. Poland, like other EU member states, is obliged to implement the provisions of Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of October 23, 2019 on the protection of whistleblowers. Despite the expiration of the deadline for implementing the directive, which was supposed to be by December 17, 2021, Poland is still working on relevant national regulations(INFOR.PL).

The draft law on whistleblowers that the Polish legislature is working on stipulates, among other things, that internal reporting procedures must be consulted with trade unions or employee representatives. It also introduces a period within which these procedures must be established and implemented – all to ensure effective protection of whistleblowers and proper treatment of reports. Among the new measures are also rules on data retention and redress for false reports(Whistlelink).

Introducing whistleblower protection systems brings many benefits to organizations, such as increasing transparency in operations, reducing the risk of fraud, and building trust among employees and customers. It allows early detection of potential problems and their resolution before they develop into more serious crises. Protecting whistleblowers also supports a culture of openness and honesty within the organization(Fundequate).

Despite the benefits, implementing whistleblower protection systems also comes with challenges. It requires organizations not only to adjust policies and procedures, but also to conduct education and training activities for employees to ensure understanding and support for the newly introduced rules(Fundequate).

The importance of whistleblower protection cannot be overstated, and properly designed and implemented systems can bring significant benefits to organizations and society. Poland, despite delays, is on its way to fulfilling its obligations under the EU directive, which will have a significant impact on the national legal order and the practice of both public institutions and private companies.

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