Typically, those who spot something wrong in the workplace report the matter to their employer. The wrongdoing may involve safety violations, corporate corruption or other wrongful practices.
If the employer does not correct the issue, the employee has a right to seek another solution. Often, this means becoming a whistleblower. Unfortunately, calling out misdeeds or outright corruption in the workplace can lead to whistleblower retaliation.
What are some examples of whistleblower retaliation?
Even when retaliation seems clear to others, most victims struggle to determine if the problem is real or imagined. No one wants to think exercising their rights could lead to mistreatment, but it often does.
To help you identify retaliation, here are some examples of what your employer may not do once you become a whistleblower.
- Harass, threaten or intimidate you
- Reduce your work hours or pay rate
- Deny you a promotion you otherwise deserve
- Discipline you or deny you your rightful benefits
- Terminate you for reporting corruption or safety violations
Mocking, isolating and making false accusations against you are more subtle examples of employment retaliation.
Some employers may try to get past whistleblower protections by creating an environment hostile enough to compel the employee to walk away. It is unwise to quit your job in the face of retaliation, as leaving could compromise your rights.
Address your concerns
It is normal to feel as though you’re in the spotlight and must question everything that happens at work after calling out wrongdoing. At the same time, you don’t want to ignore retaliation or wait for it to resolve itself.