Recent years have seen an uptick in whistleblowing cases. Part of this is due to the expansion of whistleblower protection laws. However, shifting workplace attitudes, changing demographics, and the very nature of employment itself may all be playing a role.
This is not your grandparent’s job
Decades ago, it used to be that a person would be hired for a job and spend the next 30 or 40 years working for the same company. They were then expected to retire and enjoy their twilight years leisurely. Most working people today would consider this notion to exist solely in the realm of fiction. However, believe it or not, this was how things used to be.
Providing years of service to a single employer could fill you with a sense of loyalty and belonging. You would have been reluctant to report illegal actions or instances of harassment. Doing so could get you fired. You would likely have trouble finding another job.
We now live in an era where changing jobs is as routine as changing a shirt. Employees are less likely to feel loyalty toward a company. This especially true for contract workers or those who make a living in the “gig” economy. Younger generations are also more likely to place a greater emphasis on social responsibility than any sort of company loyalty. These factors mean that workers in the modern era may feel more comfortable in whistleblowing than in the past.
Ensure you’re protected
You are supposed to receive a certain level of protection from whistleblower laws. However, this doesn’t mean that employers will not take illegal action against you. If you suspect your employer is breaking the law, or if you’re the victim of workplace discrimination and harassment, you should discuss your situation with a skilled legal professional. Together, you can determine the best way to address your case.
