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.
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 report via either the telephone or the Internet.
What types of situations should I report?
The EthicsPoint system allows employees to report any violation of our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, or other ethical concerns you may have.
If I am concerned about retaliation, can I remain anonymous?
Yes. EthicsPoint provides the option to remain anonymous when submitting a report. The Hartford has a strict Retaliation Free Workplace policy. While we take all reports seriously, reporting anonymously limits our ability to directly monitor for retaliation. Regardless, all reports – anonymous or not – are handled confidentially.
What’s the difference between anonymity and confidentiality?
Anonymity means you do not share your identity when you report. Confidentiality means your identity is known to a limited set of authorized personnel and is protected to the extent possible during the investigation.
If I see a violation, as an employee of The Hartford, should I just report it to my manager, security, or human resources?
When you observe behavior that you believe is unethical or violates our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, The Hartford offers a variety of channels you can use to speak up, including your direct manager, another leader, Employee Relations, or via this EthicsPoint portal. EthicsPoint also provides the option for you to remain anonymous if you desire.
Why should I speak up if I see or suspect a problem?
Speaking up protects our colleagues, customers, and reputation; it’s part of our responsibility under the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct to report suspected violations promptly and in good faith. Our Retaliation‑Free Workplace Policy prohibits retaliation against anyone who makes a good‑faith report or participates in an investigation.
Does management really want me to report?
Yes. Reporting concerns is not only encouraged, it’s an obligation under our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct. Speaking up is essential to maintaining a culture of integrity and compliance.
Where do these reports go? Who can access them?
Reports are entered directly on the EthicsPoint secure servers and are independent from The Hartford’s website and Intranet. Reports are maintained in confidence and access is limited to a small, authorized team that needs to know in order to review and investigate the matter. You may elect to remain anonymous throughout the process.
Reporting Security & Confidentiality
It is my understanding that any report I send from a company computer generates a server log that shows every website that my PC connects with. Won’t this log identify me as the report originator?
NAVEX does not generate or maintain any internal connection logs with IP addresses, so no information linking your PC to EthicsPoint is available.
If you feel uncomfortable making a report on your work laptop, you have the option of using a device outside our work environment (such as one located at an Internet café or at a friend’s house) to connect to the EthicsPoint secure website.
Can I file a report from home and still remain anonymous?
Yes, a report from home, a neighbor’s computer, or any Internet portal will remain secure and can be submitted anonymously if desired. An Internet portal never identifies a visitor by screen name and the EthicsPoint system strips away Internet addresses so that anonymity is maintained.
I am concerned that if I choose to remain anonymous, the information I provide EthicsPoint will ultimately reveal my identity. How can you assure me that will not happen?
The EthicsPoint system protects your anonymity. However, if you wish to remain anonymous, you - as a reporting party - need to ensure that the body of the report does not reveal your identity. 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. Should I report it?
Yes. You have an obligation to report any known or suspected violation of our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, policies, or the law—even if it doesn’t directly affect you. Speaking up helps protect our colleagues, customers, and the company’s reputation. Waiting or staying silent can allow harm to continue and increase legal, reputational or financial risk. You don’t need every detail. If you have a good‑faith belief that misconduct may have occurred, report it promptly.
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? Will they get the report?
The EthicsPoint system and report distribution processes ensure 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, 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 so you may review and provide timely responses to any questions that may be posted by the company. 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 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?
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.