The workplace has undergone a seismic shift in recent years. Globalisation, digital innovation, and the widespread move to remote and flexible work – accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic – have changed not just how we work, but how we define our roles and responsibilities. These changes have also transformed the way employees across generations view ethics, accountability, and the importance of speaking up.
This briefing explores how generational perspectives on whistleblowing are evolving in the UK. With younger workers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, entering the workforce shaped by social justice movements, corporate social responsibility, and digital transparency, are they more inclined to report unethical behaviour than previous generations? And are they doing so through different channels – from traditional hotlines and HR reports to social media and informal conversations?
We examine whether the types of issues that prompt whistleblowing – fraud, discrimination, environmental harm – differ across age groups, and how fear of retaliation, career impact, or employer trust affect decisions to speak up. As the meaning of work continues to evolve, so too does the culture of accountability.
This report offers key insights for employers seeking to support whistleblowers and foster a workplace culture that encourages openness across all generations.