Expectations From Calling The Whistleblower Hotline

| Saturday, March 2, 2013
By Ava Hudson


All public companies operating within the United States are required to implement their own Whistleblower hotline in line with the Oxley Act 2002. Whistleblowing is an act to alert authorities of any unethical or illegal action taking place within a company. It is often done anonymously but federal law still protects those who may suffer from retaliation within the workplace. Implemented systems usually detect fraud and unethical employee treatments, protecting workers and companies from wrongdoings.

A company can choose to have some hotline employees rendering exclusive services for them. The office will often be situated far from the location of the company in need of protection. There shall be fax, telephone numbers and emails assigned for contacting purposes. Protocols for investigation shall also be implemented, including anonymity of reporters.

It is only right for companies to avoid retaliating against the complaints that have been brought up. However, complaints must also be made genuinely, and shall not involve factors that are in no relation to the pertinent issue. Employing third party services actually entails benefits in that they are able to do evaluations in impartial or unbiased views.

Right after a company receives the ethical complaint, authorities will be working on evaluating it along with all factors involved. It is very important to determine whether or not the complaint refers to law violations. Examples of common situations that tend to involve violations are personnel, labor and management related issues. Screening shall also be done to make sure that the complaint is reported in good faith.

After the initial evaluation of the complaints, and they have proved to be valid law violations, they will be further reviewed by the appropriate branch. For instance, violations that involve money will be handed over to the financial and audit areas. They will be meeting and reviewing the complaints together with the personalities who have implications in the whole whistleblowing act.

One important thing about blowing whistles though is that outcomes might be hidden or made known to whistleblowers. This will have to depend on what laws the companies implement for operations. Most may feel enough satisfaction for doing what they can in good faith while others may simply just trust company executives to handle the issue righteously.

As a whistleblower, you have the option to go anonymous. However, know that this still does not assure that no information leak on complaints will reach your workmates. Worst case scenario might be that you will get caught up in retaliations. These can come as acts which violate personnel policies and cause adversity within your workplace.

Companies will often employ laws that protect workers from retaliations. These will give whistleblowers an opportunity to complain about planned retaliations. Issues shall be investigated though this might take 120 days at most. Corrective actions will then be employed.

Prior to calling on a whistleblower hotline, it is important for employees to first plan out their future. Blowing whistles on employers can end up consuming so much time and effort. Employees should first think about what their next step for their career should be. It might help to consult with legal professionals on what courses are best to take in order to prevent the act from adversely affecting future career opportunities.




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