Whistleblower protection refers to the legal and organizational safeguards put in place to shield employees or individuals who report misconduct, illegal activities, or unethical behavior within their workplace from retaliation or adverse consequences. These protections are essential to promote transparency, ethical conduct, and accountability within organizations.
Example
If an HR employee uncovers evidence of their company engaging in financial fraud and reports it to the appropriate authorities, whistleblower protection ensures that the employee cannot be fired, demoted, harassed, or otherwise penalized for their disclosure. This allows employees to come forward with important information without fear of reprisal, thereby fostering a more ethical and compliant work environment.