When is it OK to blow the whistle on your co-workers?

Question

You're hard working and under paid. Always reliable and on time. But your co-workers and bosses are the complete opposite. Seeing this everyday is affecting your morale. So do you put your values aside and go with the flow or do you "rat 'em out"? I work for the government, but I've seen this in the private sector as well.

Answer 1

This is not only about morality but also about what is actually effective.

Do you think that 'ratting 'em out' will make a difference ? Will management act on what you tell them or will they not want to rock the boat ? My guess is that if it's as obvious as you say, managers are aware and are content to turn a blind eye. If so blowing the whistle will be wasting your time and making yourself unpopular. That isn't likely to improve your morale any.

But don't put your values aside. Instead try to work yourself into a position where you can personally act on those values. From what you say you're a good, diligent worker - any reason why you shouldn't in time progress into a management position ? If you want to do that it's probably important not to antagonise your co-workers so I'd suggest keeping quiet until then - unless you know of something illegal that it's a matter of conscience to report. If you do move into management you then have the chance gradually to set and enforce the standards required. You can become a force for change and, from what you say, that can only be a good thing.

So my answer is yes it's ok to blow the whistle but it's much more effective to become part of the solution.

Good luck

Answer 2

It depends on the odds of you winning out in the end. As a government worker you probably know that most of these people take their jobs for granted. They feel a certain level of entitlement because they get more in both money and benefits than in the private sector. In this scenario its unlikely that anyone will care about your assertions.
In the private sector, the slacker is usually seen as a liability. You just need to report them to the right person. Just as is common in the public sector, some people seem immune to scrutiny despite be flagrantly lazy boobs. Document their actions (write it all down) and keep reporting to personel and something may happen over time.
You are doing the right thing in asking about this, since the slacker is a drain on the American economy.

Answer 3

We were actually discussing this at work today. Our conclusion was if the actions seen were directly endangering someone other than the person commiting the act or if the action would have a direct negative impact on the operation of the business (theft, etc) then it's acceptable and even your responsiblity to let someone know. If the actions were hurting only the person doing it or the act would not result in the harming of the business, then let it go.

Answer 4

It appears like they're working extremely some the time for the temp organization and intensely some the time promptly for the boss. that's certainly against the contract he in all probability has with the temp organization, and besides the shown fact that he might argue that that's no longer a contravention of extra time regulations (because of fact they are not working *for him* extra effective than 40 hours a week) that's the form of factor that the exertions board might certainly frown on. the genuine question is, what's it to you? he's bending the regulation, yet once you document him, those women human beings will lose their income (and maximum in all probability heavily isn't allowed to artwork for the temp organization back) and your employer might get closed down. it relatively is a controversy on your individual ethical experience whether you opt for to drop that dime or no longer.

Answer 5

Somewhat of an elitest point of view. Everyone sucks but me. Come on.

There are great workers and bad workers everywhere. If you dont' like what you do then move on to another department or job. What are you going to rat on; I work better than Billy? Grow up.

Answer 6

When? The day you decide you no longer want the job because you will not have it long afterward,oh yea and don't mention it when you apply for a new job because nobody will hire a squealer.
Most people will say they respect a whistle blower but I can promise you nobody wants to work with one.

Answer 7

I can answer this with one question. Where do your allegiances lie, with your employer or your co-workers who are obviously not working towards improving the efficiency or operations of the organization you work for?

Answer 8

Not only is the American public paying for their immoral ethics, you are too.
When you do your work and arrive on time, you are getting paid less than they are for their "work" because you work for it and they don't.
Stand up for yourself and help put a stop to government waste!!

Answer 9

I seen a my co-workers do some wrong things at the workplace. It is hard not to say anything. But when the owner approaches you and ask if this is happening. You are put on the spot.

Answer 10

Not until you've got the movie deal signed and cash in hand.