What counts as workplace retaliation?

When an employee notices that they are being treated unfairly by their employer, they have the opportunity to take action by reporting the misconduct or filing a lawsuit. In some circumstances, however, a supervisor may try to retaliate against the employee for bringing the issue to light. Retaliation is against the law, but some employers still attempt it to punish the whistleblower employee.

It is crucial that employees can recognize retaliation. In this post, we will examine some of the most important examples of workplace retaliation.

Common examples of retaliation

Some examples of retaliation are more noticeable than others. These may involve demoting an employee, or transferring them to a less desirable position or field. Reprimanding an employee needlessly or giving a performance evaluation that is lower than it should be are other examples.

Physical or verbal abuse are also forms of retaliation. An employer might also retaliate by increasing the scrutiny of an employee, making their work more difficult and spreading false rumors. Finally, threatening to report an employee’s immigration status to the police is also a form of retaliation.

How to cope with retaliation

If you are experiencing retaliation after you reported discrimination or unsafe workplace conditions, you have rights and legal options. Begin by documenting in detail the retaliation that you experience. Then, you should consider your legal options. Retaliation is illegal; any employer that engages in retaliation against an employee may be liable for damages including pain and suffering, lost wages and punitive damages. Many people who suffer retaliation at work choose to consult an employment lawyer who can help them.