Despite the experiences that encourage you to blow the whistle on your employer, you may feel equally concerned about how your decision will impact your reputation and career. Expressing your concerns anonymously requires strategy and care.
Knowing how to appropriately share the truth without making yourself look bad can reduce the repercussions on your personal life and career growth.
Know your options
Your company might have a hotline where you can anonymously report concerns regarding harassment, unethical activity and other unprofessional or illegal actions. Depending on the type of job you have, you may also have options to anonymously report to OSHA or other federally regulated organizations.
At the very least, never use company-registered devices. This includes phones, laptops, email addresses or chat rooms. Even if you attempt to issue an anonymous report, disgruntled superiors or legal forensics experts can usually track you down. Instead, use personal devices that have no ties to your company.
Minimize digital interaction
Emails, fax, social media posts and anything that leaves metadata can leave a trail. The more you are able to minimize your digital interactions, the less metadata you will leave behind. According to CNBC, despite the desire of many whistleblowers to remain anonymous, attitudes toward whistleblowers have changed in recent years. Some companies encourage and even reward their employees to report suspicious activity.
Whether you chose to report anonymously or not, the law does protect you against retaliation and wrongful termination. You deserve the right to feel comfortable and valued in the organization you work for. If situations or people compromise your rights or infringe on the safety or freedom of others, you have every opportunity to disclose the circumstances in hopes of preventing more serious problems.