How To Handle Unethical Situations at Work | Rossman Law (2024)

FAQs

How To Handle Unethical Situations at Work | Rossman Law? ›

When you notice unethical activity around you, it is important to document as much as possible. This includes taking photographs and notes—take down exactly what is happening. If you suspect that one or more of the people involved are unaware of the illegality of the situation, consider alerting them.

If you see, experience, or suspect an ethics breach at your employer, gather and document your facts and questions, check the issue escalation policy, and then talk privately to your immediate supervisor and the chief compliance officer. Question what you've seen, but don't be accusatory or self-righteous.

You can refuse to do any illegal or unethical task. You have protection under whistleblower laws. A whistleblower is an employee who reports unethical or illegal activity. These laws protect the employee if the employer fires them, discriminates, or retaliates against them.

The ERC reported that employees most often observe the following five unethical behaviors in the workplace: 1) employees misusing company time, 2) supervisors abusing subordinates, 3) employees stealing from their employers, 4) employees lying to their employers, and 5) employees violating company internet policies.

When an employee exhibits unethical behavior, the employer or manager should take immediate action. It is essential to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the extent of the behavior. Depending on the severity of the behavior, the employer may decide to give a warning or terminate the employee's employment.

If you wish to report a widespread violation of labor law by your employer or a violation affecting multiple employees, please contact LETF via phone, online lead referral form or email: Call the LETF Public hotline anytime: 855 297 5322. Complete the Online Form / Spanish Form. Email us at letf@dir.ca.gov.

Workplace ethics

The most common measures are oral remarks, a written reprimand, a reprimand with a personal record, and the most severe punishment is the termination of the employment contract.

Victims may be able to pursue legal action against their employer. Many jurisdictions have laws protecting employees who expose their employer's illegal or unethical activities. Whistleblower protections are in place to encourage transparency and accountability.

What to do if an employer asks you to do something unethical? ›

Once you've ascertained your employer is requesting something immoral or illegal, take measures to protect yourself. If possible, reason with your boss before blowing the whistle. Explain the concerns you have about the request, and see if you can make your employer choose a different route.

An employer may not base hiring decisions on stereotypes and assumptions about a person's race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

If the employee is fired only for refusing to do something illegal requested by his employer, the employee can sue the employer for wrongful discharge. This exception encourages employees to follow the law and discourages employers from asking their employees to do illegal acts and from firing them when they refuse.

Unethical behavior refers to conduct when an individual, a professional, or a company does anything deemed inappropriate because they are against the social standards. People, businesses, professions, and administrators may all engage in unethical behavior.

When you notice unethical activity around you, it is important to document as much as possible. This includes taking photographs and notes—take down exactly what is happening. If you suspect that one or more of the people involved are unaware of the illegality of the situation, consider alerting them.

Make a brief, factual summary of what happened. Explain what you feel to be the negative impact. Describe how the incident made you, or one of your team members, feel (frustrated or disappointed, for example). State how you would like to see that behaviour modified, and agree on some targets if appropriate.