Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT THE EthicsPoint® SYSTEM Reporting – General Reporting Security & Confidentiality Tips & Best PracticesABOUT THE EthicsPoint® SYSTEM
About EthicsPoint
EthicsPoint is a confidential reporting tool that allows associates to report alleged, perceived or actual violations of the Code of Conduct.
Why do we need a system like EthicsPoint?
At Travel + Leisure Co., we believe that our associates are our most important asset. By creating open channels of communication, we can promote a positive work environment and maximize productivity. Additionally, publicly traded companies are required by law to have a reporting vehicle to address any potential violations of our Code of Conduct or any other concerns.
Reporting – General
How do I make a report?
You may file a report confidentially by phone or via the EthicsPoint website. You can also make a report directly to your manager, a Human Resources Representative, the Ethics & Compliance Team, or a member of the Legal Department.
What type of issues should I report?
You should report any violation of our Code of Conduct, or any other concern you may have. You know what is going on at Travel + Leisure Co. - 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 Travel + Leisure Co. and our associates.
If I see a violation, who should I contact?
You are expected to report any behavior that you believe violates our Code of Conduct. You may bring these concerns directly to your manager, a Human Resources Representative, the Ethics & Compliance Team, or a member of the Legal Department. We recognize that there may be circumstances when you are not comfortable reporting the issue to management. With EthicsPoint, you can report confidentially and anonymously (where permitted by local laws).
Why should I report what I know? What’s in it for me?
Travel + Leisure Co. strives to maintain a safe and healthy environment. With that comes the responsibility of acting in an ethical manner and speaking up when someone is not acting appropriately. By working together, we can maintain this goal.
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 Travel + Leisure Co. and our associates. Also, offering input may help identify issues that can improve corporate culture and performance.
Where do these reports go? Who can access them?
Reports are entered directly on the EthicsPoint secure server to prevent any possible breach in security. EthicsPoint makes these reports available only to specific individuals within Travel + Leisure Co. 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?
The EthicsPoint system concentrates on being a positive aspect of our overall philosophy, and allows us to assure 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
It is my understanding that any report I send from a Travel + Leisure Co.’ computer generates a server log that shows every web-site that my PC connects with, and won’t this log identify me as a report originator?
EthicsPoint does not generate or maintain any internal connection logs with IP addresses, so no information linking your PC to EthicsPoint is available. In fact, EthicsPoint is contractually committed not to pursue a reporter’s identity.
If you feel uncomfortable making a report on your work PC, you have the option of using a PC outside our work environment (such as one located at an Internet café, at a friend’s house, etc.) through the EthicsPoint secure website.
Can I file a report from home and still remain anonymous?
Yes, where permitted by local laws. A report from any Internet portal will remain secure and anonymous (where permitted by local laws). An Internet portal never identifies a visitor by screen name and the EthicsPoint system strips away Internet addresses so that anonymity is totally maintained. Plus, EthicsPoint is contractually committed not to pursue a reporter’s identity.
I am concerned that the information I provide EthicsPoint will ultimately reveal my identity. How can you assure me that will not happen?
The EthicsPoint system is designed to protect your anonymity. However, if you wish to remain anonymous (where permitted by local laws), 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, where permitted by local laws. 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 for identifying yourself, if you wish. We will keep your information confidential.
Tips & Best Practices
I am aware of some individuals involved with unethical conduct, but it doesn't affect me. Why should I bother reporting it?
Travel + Leisure Co. chooses to promote ethical behavior. All unethical conduct, at any level, ultimately hurts Travel + Leisure Co. and all employees, including you. You only have to consider what happened in recent corporate scandals to see the disastrous effects that a seemingly harmless lapse in ethics can have on an otherwise healthy company. So if you know of any incidents of misconduct or ethical violations, it is 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. EthicsPoint 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 because you weren't sure.
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 are designed so that implicated parties are not notified or granted access to reports in which they have been named.
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 user name 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 and add further information that will help resolve open issues. We strongly suggest that you return to the site in the time specified to answer questions. You and Travel + Leisure Co. 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.
Can I still file a report if I don’t have access to the Internet?
You can file an EthicsPoint report from any computer 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.