Ryan FowlerAnonymous whistleblowing reports now represent 56% of all submissions, according to Safecall’s 2026 Benchmark Report, as digital reporting continues to reshape how employees raise workplace concerns.
The report found named reports have fallen from 37% in 2019 to 25% in 2026, while web-based reporting now accounts for 71% of all submissions. Within online reports, anonymity is even more pronounced, with 63% submitted without employees revealing their identity.
Safecall’s data also showed workplace reporting activity has increased for the fifth consecutive year. In 2025, reporting frequency reached one report for every 365 employees, compared with one in 520 employees in 2020.
Despite the growth in digital reporting, phone-based whistleblowing remains significant, accounting for 23% of reports. The report found 40% of employees using telephone channels were willing to provide their name, compared with just 20% of those reporting online.
Joanna Lewis, managing director at Safecall, said: “Anonymous reporting has always been an important part of effective speak-up systems. The rise we’re seeing is closely linked to the growth in digital reporting, where employees are more likely to stay anonymous at the point of submitting a concern.
“Trust remains central to any whistleblowing framework. With 62% of employees saying they trust an independent channel more than an in-house team, external providers play a vital role in bridging the trust gap that internal departments often struggle to overcome.
“Digital, phone and face-to-face routes all have their place — but it’s ultimately the culture an organisation builds that determines whether people feel safe to speak up without fear of repercussions.”
The report said telephone reporting remains important for more serious or emotionally sensitive cases, underlining the need for organisations to maintain multiple reporting channels alongside digital systems.
