JULY 14, 2025 – The 2023 Ethics and Compliance Initiative (ECI) study found that almost half of the employees who reported wrongdoing were punished in some way. In 2025, whistleblower laws are likely to change a lot, showing a new commitment to openness and responsibility.
It can be hard to speak out about something wrong at work, such as fraud, safety problems, or prejudice. Whistleblowers are people who do this. Keep in mind that some bosses may punish workers for being honest and exposing the illicit practices of a company.
According to Long Beach whistleblower lawyer Briana Kim, if you have blown the whistle on illegal practices you observed in your company and have been retaliated against, you may be able to pursue legal action against your employer.
What qualifies as whistleblower retaliation and how do you recognize it? Let’s find out!
Understanding Whistleblower Retaliation: Definitions and Key Concepts
Retaliation means various unfair treatment and discriminatory acts against any person disclosing misconduct, including an unlawful act that might occur within an organization. An honest person who just wants to tell the truth may find himself in trouble for whistleblowing.
Any prospective discloser must grasp these definitions and concepts. Some examples of retaliatory behaviors are abuse, reprimands, firings, or threats, and they are all forms of retaliation. These things are meant to scare anybody who might desire to tell the truth.
You should know your rights and what keeps you safe, just like the Whistleblower Protection Act advises. This information will help you decide what risks you are willing to take and even help you fight for a safe and open workplace.
Common Forms of Retaliation Experienced by Whistleblowers
When you report wrongdoing, you should be informed of any possible consequences or retaliation. The individual who blows the whistle usually gets some form of response, which can be public or private.
Coworkers who harass you could say harsh things to you or leave you out of team functions. Another common kind of implied threat is to demote you or not give you a promotion.
Sometimes, whistleblowers are put through harsher performance review standards for promotion or advancement. There are even cases where the employer will simply fire you after you report something about the company.
It is important to know what problems you could have to deal with after speaking out for the truth since retaliatory action can make the workplace less enjoyable.
Legal Protections for Whistleblowers Against Retaliation
You are protected from retaliation under various protection laws. The Whistleblower Protection Act protects workers who report illegal or immoral actions.
This means that the law stops your supervisor from disciplining, terminating, demoting, or doing anything else that looks like harassment. Most states usually have other whistleblower protection laws to give you an additional layer of protection.
If you report a problem, your boss shouldn’t punish you for sticking up for yourself. If you think someone is going to get back at you, retain all the papers that can be used as strong proof in your favor.
Knowing your rights can give you the strength to do something about some of the problems that could come up if you are a whistleblower.
Steps to Take if You Experience Retaliation
You need to take prompt action if you believe that retaliation caused your rights to be violated.
Make a note of any retaliation, noting down exact times and dates alongside names of the witnesses. These records will serve as critical pieces of evidence for you.
Follow the organization’s policy when reporting any retaliatory action to your supervisor or human resources. It might be possible to seek advice from an employment law lawyer if nothing else works. They may advise you as to the possibilities of filing a formal complaint with the respective governmental agency.
Keep in touch with your trusted coworkers. Speak up for your rights and against reprisal, not just for yourself but for other people in the future.
Real-Life Examples of Whistleblower Retaliation Cases
Whistleblower retaliation is an unfortunate present-day reality. Heavy penalties have been imposed on any people who dared to come forward and speak.
For instance, somebody might tell that patient conditions are not safe and then get harassed, demoted, or outright dismissed in retaliation.
Another example can be an employee of a financial company who disclosed fraudulent practices and was ostracized and denied promotions afterwards.
Bullying and defamation have been used against teachers who reported some wrongful behavior in the school, eventually forcing resignation.
From intimidation to unfair performance appraisal or outright termination, retaliation is quite evident and common.
If this happens to you, keep in mind that whistleblowers do have some remedies available to them by way of protection.