Whistleblowers are the individuals with a strong moral sense and outraged about the wrongdoings in a workplace or organization. They’re the ones who bravely choose to speak up about the current situation. More often than not, whistleblowers are the ones with expertise in their field, which may be defined narrowly.
If you want to become a whistleblower, you have to know what you’re talking about with respect. For you to speak out and identify what’s wrong, whistleblowers should know how whistleblowing should be done properly.
If you really like to be a whistleblower, below are some of the things that you should consider before becoming one:
Know Your Legal and Time Constraints
You have to familiarize yourself and do homework about whistleblower provisions and legal help you may take for consideration. This is because the laws for whistleblowers may vary by occupation and state. For instance, there are special protections for some groups of whistleblowers, including the ones in the field of food and environmental safety.
Once you’re done familiarizing with everything, consider hiring a lawyer who specializes in cases related to whistleblowing for guidance, as you have to go through some complex procedures.
If you’re ready to fight for your accusations of the misconduct of a company, it may be a race against the time. There are times that the accused may eat up your time purposely so you won’t be able to make any reports.
Don’t Let Others Know About Your Case
One of the most important things you should know before you become a whistleblower is not to tell anyone regarding your whistleblowing case. You shouldn’t tell anybody that you are a whistleblower. The only one you must trust and discuss your case is your lawyer.
There would be some temptations at times, but never do it at all costs. If you need advice, your lawyer may provide you.
You Have to Act In Accordance To the Laws
For you to report any illegal activities or wrongdoing in an organization, you have to know that there are particular procedures you should follow to comply with every law.
State and federal laws can be strict in terms of whistleblowing. That’s the reason why you should pay importance to hire a lawyer before you report any wrongdoing.
If you’ll not comply with the law, you might lose your protection as a whistleblower.
Never Expect to Get Rich with Whistleblowing
If you want to be a whistleblower because of money, you should have the best lawyer and work for big banks. There are some whistleblowing cases that have complex procedures. Yes, it’s possible that the rewards can be big, but such cases have time limits, conditions, and involve fees for lawyers. Thus, never expect that you’ll be a millionaire as a whistleblower.
When it comes to whistleblowing, it’s never impossible to get money and be vindicated. However, take note that it isn’t easy money. In a study wherein 26 whistleblowers about health care fraud cases were interviewed, they said that they received shares of the recovery funds. They also complained about being kept in the dark throughout the process of their cases and spent years with uncertainties. Among the 26, 8 of them reported that they’re financially ruined because of their case.
So, if you think becoming a whistleblower will make you rich, better think twice and be knowledgeable about your case.
Ensure That Your Case is Valid
Whistleblowing is meant only for reporting cover-ups, health and environmental safety breaches, regulatory breaches, and criminal offenses. If you’re reporting such things, you’ll be protected by the law.
If you think that it’s too late to report concerns, make sure that you may raise it any time, regardless if it’s about what’s happening currently, an incident that occurred previously, or something that might happen in the future.
Report the Right Type of Concerns
The whistleblowing channels of your company must be used as your outlet to make false reports or air grievances. If you have complaints about your colleague or manager or some issues, this is basically covered by grievance procedures, so make sure to raise it with your HR or manager instead.
Aside from that, in whistleblowing law, personal grievances aren’t covered unless your case is in public interest.
The Bottom Line
Whistleblowing can let people reap benefits and rewards. But, before you think about the rewards or benefits you’ll get, you have to know the do’s and don’ts of blowing the whistle.
Keep in mind that becoming a whistleblower is a serious step. There are numerous potential legal issues and difficulties to consider. Just make sure that you’re ready with the case and hire an experienced whistleblower lawyer to help you go through the process successfully.
