Workplace retaliation is something that no one expects to experience, but it may be more common than you think. In fact, a study recently showed that 75% of harassment victims suffered retaliation for speaking up. It can be hard to see the difference between unfriendly behavior and workplace retaliation, so here is what you need to know to identify workplace retaliation:
What is retaliation?
Workplace retaliation refers to when an employer acts against an employee for exercising or defending their legally protected rights as an employee. However, just because your employer acts coldly toward you after an HR complaint does not mean they are retaliating. So, what does qualify as retaliation?
Filing a complaint for sexual harassment, wage theft, or discrimination are a few examples of protected actions that can experience any of the following common examples of retaliation, such as:
- Suddenly receiving a demotion
- Being denied a promised promotion
- Transferring the employee to a new position or location
- Denying an employee a bonus or raise
- Termination of an employee
If you experienced one of these forms of retaliation or you believe that you experienced a different form of retaliation, consult with an employee rights attorney. They can help review your situation and determine what you can do to hold your employer accountable for their actions.
Do not take abuse in the workplace
If you have witnessed or experienced something in the workplace worth reporting, do not be afraid of standing up for what is right. Although retaliation can come in many different forms, trust your instincts if you suspect your employer is retaliating against you. A skilled lawyer can help you file a claim against your employer to protect your rights and make it clear that retaliation in the workplace is never acceptable.
