FAQs
About EthicsPointReporting – General
Reporting Security & Confidentiality
Tips & Best Practices
About EthicsPoint
What is EthicsPoint?
EthicsPoint is a comprehensive and confidential reporting tool created by NAVEX that enables management and employees to work together to address fraud, abuse, and other misconduct in the workplace while cultivating a positive work environment. Fluor’s Integrity Portal & Hotline utilizes NAVEX’s EthicsPoint functionality to provide employees and anyone Fluor does business with, a safe and secure resource to report concerns.
Why do we need a system like EthicsPoint?
Our employees are our most important asset. By creating open channels of communication, we promote a positive work environment and maximize productivity.
An effective reporting system augments our other efforts to foster a culture of integrity and ethical decision-making.
Reporting – General
May I report using either the Internet or the telephone?
Yes. EthicsPoint enables you to file a confidential report via either the telephone or the Internet.
What types of situations should I report?
The EthicsPoint system allows employees to report any known or suspected violation of our stated Code of Conduct, company policy, law or other concerns you may have.
I have a question / need clarification regarding a policy or the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, what should I do?
If you are unsure, ask. The ‘Ask a Question’ feature allows you to be proactive and ask questions confidentially. We do not expect you to be an expert on the Code, or conduct your own investigation, the Portal offers you the ability to seek guidance from company experts when you are not sure.
If I see a violation, shouldn't I just report it to my manager, security, or human resources and let them deal with it?
When you observe some behavior that you believe violates our code of conduct, we expect you to report it Ideally, you should bring any concerns forward to your direct manager or another supervisor, local Human Resources or Employee Relations manager, Corporate Compliance (ethics@fluor.com), or another member of our management team. We recognize, however, that there may be circumstances when you are not comfortable reporting the issue in this manner. It is for such circumstances that we have partnered with NAVEX. We would rather you report via this channel than keep the information to yourself.
Why should I report what I know? What’s in it for me?
We all have the right to work in a positive environment and with that right comes the responsibility of acting in an ethical manner and letting the appropriate people know if someone is not acting appropriately. By working together, we can maintain a healthy and productive environment. And, corporate misconduct can threaten the very existence of an entire company.
Does management really want me to report?
We certainly do. In fact, we need you to report. You know what is going on in our company - both good and bad. You may have initial knowledge of an activity that may be cause for concern. Your reporting can minimize the potential negative impact on the company and our people. Also, offering positive input may help identify issues that can improve corporate culture and performance.
Where do these reports go? Who can access them?
Reports (by phone or web) are entered directly on the EthicsPoint secure server. NAVEX makes these reports available only to specific individuals within the company who are charged with evaluating the report, based on the type of violation and location of the incident. Each of these report recipients has had training in keeping these reports in the utmost confidence.
Isn’t this system just an example of someone watching over me?
No. EthicsPoint is a positive aspect of our overall philosophy that allows us to ensure a safe, secure and ethical workplace. You are encouraged to seek guidance on ethical dilemmas, provide positive suggestions, or communicate a concern. Effective communication is critical in today’s workplace, and this is a great tool to enhance that communication.
We have carefully chosen the best reporting tool to meet our compliance obligations while maintaining a positive reporting environment.
Reporting Security & Confidentiality
How are reports handled at Fluor? Where do these reports go? Who can access them?
Once a report is received, Navex provides the information only to specific individuals within the company who are charged with evaluating the report, based on the type of violation and location of the incident.
Fluor investigates all portal reports and is committed to maintaining confidentiality to the maximum extent possible. The company will disclose the information you provide only on a need-to-know basis and as required by law. Further information on how Fluor handles portal reports can be found in HR 705 and HR 705 EU.
Can I file a report from work/home and still remain anonymous?
A report from your work computer, personal phone, home, a neighbor’s computer, or any Internet portal will remain secure and anonymous if you choose the anonymous option. The EthicsPoint system does not track IP addresses or trace calls so that anonymity is totally maintained.
I am concerned that the information I provide EthicsPoint will ultimately reveal my identity. How can you assure me that will not happen?
If you wish to remain anonymous, the EthicsPoint system protects your anonymity. However, you - as a reporting party - need to ensure that the body of the report does not reveal your identity by accident. For example, “From my cube next to Jan Smith…” or “In my 33 years…”.
Is the telephone toll-free hot line confidential and anonymous too?
Yes. You will be asked to provide the same information that you would provide in an Internet-based report and an interviewer will type your responses into the EthicsPoint Web site. These reports have the same security and confidentiality measures applied to them during delivery.
What if I want to be identified with my report?
There is a section in the report to identify yourself, if you wish.
Tips & Best Practices
I am aware of some individuals acting unethically, but it doesn't affect me. Why should I bother reporting it?
Our company promotes ethical behavior. All unethical conduct, at any level, ultimately hurts the company and all employees, including you. You only have to consider what happened in recent corporate scandals to see the disastrous effects that a lapse in ethics can have on an otherwise healthy company. If you know of any incidents of misconduct or ethical violations, consider it your duty to yourself and your coworkers to report it.
I am not sure if what I have observed or heard is a violation of company policy, or involves unethical conduct, but it just does not look right to me. What should I do?
File a report. NAVEX can help you prepare and file your report so it can be properly understood. We'd rather you report a situation that turns out to be harmless than let possible unethical behavior go unchecked.
What if my boss or other managers are involved in a violation? Won’t they get the report and start a cover-up?
The EthicsPoint system and report distribution ensure that implicated parties are not notified or granted access to reports in which they have been named.
What if I am concerned about retaliation?
Fluor will not tolerate any form of direct or indirect retaliation that arises from raising concerns related to violations of our Code, policies, laws, regulations or other unethical conduct. If a report is made in good faith, you will be protected no matter the outcome of the investigation of that concern. If you suspect you are experiencing retaliation, you should contact Human Resources, Compliance and Ethics (ethics@fluor.com) or Fluor’s Compliance and Ethics Integrity Portal & Hotline. Retaliating against someone who makes a report in good faith can result in prompt and strong disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
What if I remember something important about the incident after I file the report? Or what if the company has further questions for me concerning my report?
When you file a report at the EthicsPoint Web site or through the EthicsPoint Call Center, you receive a unique, randomized number called a “Report Key” and are asked to choose a password. You can return to the EthicsPoint system again either by Internet or telephone and access the original report to add more detail or answer questions posed by a company representative. We strongly suggest that you return to the site in the time specified to answer company questions. You and the company now have entered into an “anonymous dialogue,” where situations are not only identified, but can also be resolved, no matter how complex.
Are these follow-ups on reports as secure as the first one?
All EthicsPoint correspondences are held in the same strict confidence as the initial report, continuing under the umbrella of anonymity.
What if I lose my Report Key or forget the Password I created?
To ensure that security and confidentiality is maintained, if you lose your report key or password, you will need to file a new report. Mention in the new report that it is related to a report or question you previously submitted.
Can I still file a report if I don’t have access to the Internet?
You can file an EthicsPoint report from any device that can access the Internet. You can file from home. Many public locations, including the public library, have Internet computers. If you don’t have access to or are uncomfortable using a computer, you can call the EthicsPoint toll-free hotline, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.