Generally speaking, workplace retaliation comes down to one thing: one party making another afraid.
It doesn’t matter why one party is retaliating against the other. All that matters is that the victim understands what is going on, including their rights.
Spotting workplace retaliation is easier said than done. If you feel you are being retaliated against, it is important to keep a close watch on everything that is going on.
Remember this: Workplace retaliation is not the same as a hostile work environment. Retaliation is an act that one party takes against another. This could be something as simple as neglecting to promote a person because he or she spoke out about the company in the past.
Any type of workplace retaliation is well worth reporting. While you may be scared about doing this, since you are already being treated poorly, it would definitely be in your best interest. Speak with your supervisor and/or the HR department.
Note: You should never report workplace retaliation to the person who is responsible for the retaliatory acts.
Retaliation in the workplace is illegal, regardless of why a person decides to do so.
It is not always easy to spot workplace retaliation, but do your best to keep an eye out for this if you feel that somebody is out to get you. You have rights as an employee, and you need to protect them at all times.
Spotting workplace retaliation is job number one. From there, you need to decide how to take action. This is a must if you want to put the retaliation in the past.
Source: Everyday Psychology, “What is workplace retaliation? It’s about making people afraid.,” accessed Jan. 19, 2016
