You have always been a loyal employee. Lately, however, you have seen and heard some things going on at your workplace that you know are not legal. You want to do the right thing. But what is the right thing in your circumstances?
If you’re considering becoming a whistleblower, there are some important things to consider before making your move.
Can the problem be solved in-house?
Whistleblowing should be your nuclear option. While whistleblowing cases are circumstances-dependent, there often may be an easier solution found within the corporate hierarchy.
But some whistleblowing cases are so sensitive that you fear sharing the details with the human resources department or your supervisor would be counterproductive. It’s not always such an easy call when you’re in such a position.
Can you prove your allegations?
Maybe you work in health care and suspect that something is amiss with the Medicaid billing system. You believe that your employer might be engaging in fraudulent billing practices. But where is the proof? Does your position allow you access to the data or billing information to bear out your accusations?
If all you have are suspicions without proof, blowing the whistle prematurely could give any wrongdoers the opportunity to cover their tracks and make documents disappear.
Have you sought legal guidance first?
It only occurs to some whistleblowers to seek legal counsel after they have already blown the whistle on their employers, and they begin to experience the consequences of whistleblowing.
Once you are armed with the legal knowledge of how best to proceed, you can weigh the pros and cons of your proposed actions. While every whistle-blowing case is different, you might wind up with a windfall — and right a wrong at the same time.