Examples of whistleblowing in the workplace

Whistleblowers are crucial in maintaining the integrity and accountability of organisations. By speaking up, they risk their careers and reputations to uphold ethical standards.

The role of whistleblowing in the workplace

Whistleblowing is essential for discovering unethical or illegal activities within organisations. Misconduct can happen in any organisation, and if left unearthed, carries a hefty cost. Whether it involves financial fraud, safety violations, or discrimination, whistleblowers shine a light on issues that could otherwise remain hidden. But whistleblowing isn’t just about exposing misconduct—it’s also about fostering transparency, ethical governance, and trust.

Speaking up in the workplace has advantages not only to just reporters but for businesses at large. By addressing issues early, organisations can prevent reputational and financial damage. Below are famous examples of whistleblowing in the workplace.

Famous examples of whistleblowers

1. Sherron Watkins – Enron’s Collapse

In 2001, Sherron Watkins, then Vice President of Corporate Development at Enron, warned her superiors about accounting irregularities. Her internal memo outlined how the company’s fraudulent accounting practices could lead to financial disaster. While her whistleblowing didn’t save Enron, it catalysed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, tightening corporate governance and auditing standards in the US.

Key takeaway: Internal whistleblowing systems need to provide safe, actionable channels for employees to raise concerns before a crisis emerges.

2. Edward Snowden – Surveillance Transparency

A former contractor for the National Security Agency (NSA), Snowden revealed mass surveillance programs used to collect private data on individuals. His disclosures in 2013 led to significant debates about privacy and government overreach, prompting reforms in surveillance practices worldwide.

Key takeaway: Whistleblowers can have global impacts, particularly when exposing practices that compromise fundamental rights.

3. Christopher Wylie – Cambridge Analytica and Data Misuse

In 2018, Christopher Wylie exposed how Cambridge Analytica harvested data from millions of Facebook users without consent, influencing elections globally. His revelations brought data ethics to the forefront, leading to greater scrutiny of tech companies and stricter data protection regulations like GDPR.

Key takeaway: Whistleblowing can drive policy changes across industries, especially when addressing emerging threats like data misuse.

4. Tyler Shultz and Erika Cheung – Theranos Fraud

Tyler Shultz and Erika Cheung, employees at the blood-testing company Theranos, exposed how the company’s technology was unreliable and fraudulently marketed. Despite intense legal and personal pressure, they revealed that test results were manipulated, endangering patients' lives. Their actions led to the exposure of one of the largest corporate frauds in modern history and the conviction of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes.

Key takeaway: Whistleblowers in healthcare protect not just businesses but lives, underscoring the need for strong reporting systems.

5. Mark Felt – Watergate Scandal

Known as "Deep Throat," Mark Felt, the associate director of the FBI, secretly provided information to journalists about the Nixon administration’s involvement in the Watergate break-in and cover-up. His revelations ultimately led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation in 1974.

Key takeaway: Whistleblowing can expose corruption at the highest levels, reinforcing democracy and accountability.

6. Frances Haugen – Facebook’s Harmful Practices

In 2021, Frances Haugen, a former Facebook product manager, leaked internal documents showing that the platform prioritised profit over public safety. The documents detailed how Facebook ignored evidence of harm caused by its algorithms, including the spread of misinformation and its impact on mental health. Her testimony to Congress highlighted the urgent need for stronger regulation of social media platforms.

Key takeaway: Whistleblowers in tech can push industries toward ethical innovation and greater responsibility.

7. Cynthia Cooper – WorldCom Scandal

As the Vice President of Internal Audit at WorldCom, Cynthia Cooper uncovered one of the largest accounting frauds in history. She and her team discovered $3.8 billion in fraudulent accounting entries, leading to the company’s bankruptcy and legal reforms to improve corporate transparency.

Key takeaway: Robust internal auditing systems paired with whistleblowing mechanisms can prevent catastrophic fraud.

Everyday whistleblowing examples in the workplace

Whistleblowing isn’t just for headline-grabbing scandals. It’s a crucial everyday tool for maintaining ethical and operational standards across workplaces. Here are more (fictional) scenarios illustrating how whistleblowing helps protect organisations and their employees:

Reporting safety violations

‍In a warehouse, a forklift operator notices that safety protocols for handling hazardous materials are being ignored. Reporting this to the safety officer results in retraining employees and averting potential health hazards or accidents.

Addressing discrimination

‍An employee in a marketing team notices that female colleagues are being passed over for leadership positions in favour of less qualified male colleagues. They report this to HR, prompting an investigation and a revamp of promotion practices to ensure equity.

Preventing financial fraud

‍An accounting assistant uncovers inflated invoices submitted by a vendor and alerts their supervisor. This leads to an internal audit and recovery of company funds.

Highlighting environmental concerns

‍An employee at a manufacturing plant notices improper disposal of toxic waste into a nearby river. Reporting this to the compliance team prevents environmental damage and potential fines.

Exposing harassment

‍A junior employee reports their manager for making inappropriate comments and creating a hostile work environment. Their courage in coming forward triggers an investigation and results in mandatory anti-harassment training.

Reporting data privacy breaches

‍A customer service representative notices that sensitive customer data is being stored in unsecured files, violating GDPR requirements. Reporting this internally leads to an immediate upgrade in data protection protocols.

Addressing unethical sales practices

‍A sales associate reports that team members are providing false information to customers to close deals. This whistleblowing leads to a revision of sales training and practices to ensure integrity.

Highlighting environmental concerns

‍An employee at an automotive manufacturing plant observes toxic chemicals being improperly disposed of, violating environmental regulations. Reporting this automotive industry concern internally results in better waste management practices and compliance with laws.

Whistleblowing and how it affects work cultures

The examples above highlight why organisations need to prioritise a robust whistleblowing system. Beyond compliance, such systems should embed ethical behaviour into company culture. Tools like a reliable whistleblowing software empower employees to report issues safely and anonymously. All while giving businesses the tools to mitigate risks and take action early on. 

A culture that values whistleblowing can:

• Address problems proactively.
• Point out critical risks.
• Build trust between employees and leadership.
• Strengthen compliance with regulations such as GDPR and the EU Whistleblower Protection Directive.

Encouraging employees to speak up requires clear communication about the process and guarantees of non-retaliation. The more accessible the channels, the more likely employees will feel confident using them.

Why whistleblower examples are a lesson

Whistleblower examples show how courage and integrity can drive change. By exposing ethical failings, whistleblowers create safer and fairer workplaces.

People like Sherron Watkins and Edward Snowden risked their careers to do what they believed was right. Their actions led to reforms and regulations, showing how one person can make a significant impact. 

Whistleblowing also reinforces the need for ethical leadership and reminds organisations of the importance of being transparent and accountable for actions. 

Finally, supporting whistleblowers strengthens overall compliance, which is why hundreds of compliance, HR, and legal officers trust SpeakUp to help build a culture of integrity and protect their organisations. Discover how our whistleblowing system can support your organisation.

Frequently asked questions

How does whistleblowing software support organisations?

‍Whistleblowing software provides secure, anonymous reporting channels for employees and stakeholders, making it easier to identify and address risks while ensuring compliance with regulations like the EU Whistleblowing Directive.

How are whistleblowers protected when they speak up?

‍Laws like the EU Whistleblowing Directive mandate protection against retaliation for whistleblowers, ensuring they can report misconduct safely and confidently.

What types of issues can whistleblowing software address?

‍Whistleblowing systems can handle reports on financial fraud, workplace discrimination, safety violations, data breaches, and environmental concerns, helping organisations act swiftly.

Why is whistleblowing important for building ethical workplaces?

‍By addressing risks early, whistleblowing fosters transparency, accountability, and trust within organisations, creating a culture where employees feel empowered to speak up.

How can businesses encourage employees to report concerns?

‍Providing clear communication, anonymous reporting channels, and guarantees of protection are key to building confidence in whistleblowing processes.