Life’s Not Fair (from Preventing Retaliation in the Workplace™)

Reluctance of employees to come forward could result in potential safety, policy and legal violations going unreported or reported outside the organization without giving the organization a chance to handle it internally.

Managers must be proactive about creating an environment where employees feel safe about coming forward with a concern. You should reassure employees that any concern they have—if made in good faith—will not result in any negative consequences for the individual.