The need to generate profit can lead to questionable business practices. Some companies engage in fraudulent billing to artificially inflate company revenue. Other times, organizations may violate labor regulations or safety laws.
Employees who are aware of misconduct within a company may decide to act as whistleblowers. They can report the illegal activity in the hopes of protecting themselves and changing how the company operates. Whistleblowers generally have protection from retaliation, including demotion and termination.
What behaviors may make employees eligible for whistleblower protections?
1. Alerting management about issues
Internal whistleblowing gives a company an opportunity to correct issues. Workers who believe that executives or upper management may be unaware of questionable practices may try to notify parties in positions to correct the issue for the protection of the company.
2. Filing reports with regulatory agencies
There are numerous different state and federal entities that enforce business regulations and other laws. Workers who are aware of safety law violations, for example, may reach out to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Employees who provide information about company misconduct to regulatory authorities are whistleblowers.
3. Filing a qui tam lawsuit
Some companies directly bill the government for services or materials. Occasionally, those companies might engage in fraudulent billing practices. In such cases, workers with information about fraud can file lawsuits against their employers. Initiating a qui tam lawsuit makes an employee eligible for whistleblower protection.
Professionals who recognize they may need to act as whistleblowers may want to secure professional assistance as they prepare to report their concerns. Having help when reporting misconduct and when fighting back against retaliation can help employees avoid negative outcomes when they choose to do the right thing.