Being a whistleblower can be stressful, but it’s crucial when it comes to stopping concerning or dangerous behavior in the workplace. If you need to address an incident occurring at your place of employment, keep your safety in mind as you proceed.
Collect evidence
Before you mention the issues you’re having to anyone, gather all the evidence you have and do your best to collect more along the way. Pieces of evidence could include emails or witness statements that will support your claims.
Know your rights
Make yourself aware of whistleblower laws to understand the legal regulations in place to protect you. Review your employee handbook to determine whether your company has protocols for reporting a concern.
Report internally
If your company has reporting procedures to follow, seek resolution this way first. Doing so presents your employers with the opportunity to address the issues that need to be remedied.
Document everything
Monitor and document everything that occurs when it comes to your workplace concerns. Catalog who you spoke with, when, where, and detail what they had to say. This will help if you ever need to refer to your notes later.
Seek external assistance
If changes are not implemented after you address your concerns with your employers, it may be time to seek assistance outside of your company. For example, you might want to reach out to a relevant government agency, such as the Department of Labor or OSHA.
Stay informed
Stay up-to-date with what’s happening as your case progresses, and watch for any changes in legal statutes that might come about. Knowing what’s going on in relation to your case can help you make informed decisions along the way.
Addressing wrongdoings at work is a brave step and can be a complicated process to undertake. Follow these steps to protect yourself and make a difference in the workplace.