If you obtain formal whistleblower status, you are legally protected from retaliation by your employer. Retaliation refers to “adverse action” taken against the whistleblower, such as discrimination, harassment, suspension, or termination. Other, more subtle retaliation might include denying overtime, leaving the employee out of important meetings, mocking the employee, or implying poor performance when there was none. Fear of these adverse actions might keep the whistleblower quiet.