Whistleblowing is the act of reporting about unethical practices, corruption, or illegal activities within your workplace. When you decide to blow the whistle on someone in Atlanta, the act comes with its own risks and challenges. However, it also comes with certain rewards.
The reward for being a whistleblower is protecting the people in need. However, whistleblowers also face serious risks, including retaliation, job loss, and emotional distress. If you are debating whether you should whistleblow, it can help to talk to Atlanta whistleblower lawyers.
In Atlanta, various laws exist to protect whistleblowers from retaliation, including the Whistleblower Protection Act. You should not have to lose your employment because you did the right thing!
Risks of being a whistleblower
Generally, there are more risks to being a whistleblower than rewards. However, it is important to take every step carefully to make sure you do not fall into unnecessary trouble.
The most obvious risk of being a whistleblower in Atlanta is losing your job. Your employer might be offended by your complaint and fire you. Even if they do not terminate you from the job, they might tarnish your reputation in the company or demote you to a lower position. This can significantly impact your future career.
Apart from your career falling into danger, there are also legal risks with whistleblowing. For instance, your employer might file a lawsuit against you, which can be both financially and emotionally draining. If you reveal confidential information during the whistleblowing, that can result in criminal charges as well.
Most of all, the whistleblower is impacted on an emotional, more personal level. Keeping a secret is one thing, but revealing it can also cause significant emotional turmoil. Whistleblowers often go through a rollercoaster of emotions due to the fallout from their decisions. In extreme cases, whistleblowers may face threats to their physical safety.
Rewards of being a whistleblower
The rewards that come with being a whistleblower are often more on a personal level. You personally feel the satisfaction of helping someone escape a bad situation. In some cases, that someone might be yourself.
Whistleblowers often feel that it is their social responsibility to report wrongdoing. They have a true commitment to truth and justice, which can be emotionally fulfilling.
In certain jurisdictions, whistleblowers may be financially compensated for their information. This is especially true if the information leads to the recovery of funds owed to the government. Moreover, the government makes sure to secure your job using protection laws. These rewards can not just provide financial relief but create a strong and positive reputation.
An important advantage of being a whistleblower is that you encourage the others around you to raise their voice against injustice. There may be millions of people in the US working alongside people who fall victim to misconduct every day. However, they may not take action due to fear of retaliation. One person taking action can inspire hundreds of others to do the same.
Steps to take when workplace misconduct takes place
If you think some workplace misconduct is happening, here are the steps you can take:
- Determine whether the activity is actually misconduct.
- Document as much of the incident as you can.
- Follow the organization’s protocols to report misconduct.
- Seek support about the situation from trusted colleagues.
- Do not forget to follow up on the complaint.
- Ensure that you practice self-care while waiting for their response.
- Familiarize yourself with your rights as an employee under workplace laws.
Report wrongdoing today!
While it is believed that there are only risks associated with being a whistleblower, there can be various rewards as well. However, the only reward that matters is that it protects an employee from unfair treatment. Whether the misconduct is taking place with you or someone else, hire an employment attorney today!
