As an employee, you're in a difficult position when you encounter something at work that you feel you should report. Perhaps it's a safety violation, illegal hiring practices, or something else that should not go on any longer. If you've made the decision to report the issue and are now facing a hostile work environment, you need to consult with an employment attorney. Workplace whistle blowers are protected under law, but this doesn't mean that your employer won't make an effort to make your life miserable. Here are some ways that your employer may get back at you for your actions.

Keep You Out Of Meetings

If you previously attended regular meetings at work and you've been uninvited to attend in the wake of your whistle blowing event, it's possible that your employer doesn't want you knowing more about the company than you have to. He or she is probably concerned that you might learn something during one of these meetings and blow the whistle again. However, not permitting you to attend these meetings is an unjust form of punishment and may actually negatively affect your ability to do your job.

Deny Various Requests

Your employer may also attempt to make life at work difficult for you in the wake of the whistle blowing event by denying various requests that you make. Of course, any employer has the right to deny a staff member's request, but when it's evident that you're getting turned down repeatedly, it's a safe bet that this is related to the whistle blowing incident. For example, if your request to use your vacation days at a certain time are turned down, or you've asked for a new piece of equipment such as a desk chair and have been denied, it's time to call an attorney.

Spread False Information

A malicious employer may seek to alienate you from those in your office by spreading false information about you. When you've blown the whistle, it's likely been for the good of people around you, rather than for your own career advancement — and this can make instances of your peers beginning to treat you differently difficult to experience. There are all sorts of examples of false information that a malicious employer may spread about you, including things that relate to both your professional life and your personal life. For example, you might learn that your boss told someone that you're having an affair with someone in your office.

If you experience any of these actions or others that feel like an attack after whistle blowing, work with local employment lawyers to handle the situation.