Although being an employer can be a challenging responsibility, some individuals let the power go to their heads and use their position to mistreat or discriminate against their employees. Such behavior can create significant difficulties for individuals who simply want to earn a living with integrity. Despite the existence of legal protections that aim to safeguard employees from such misconduct, some individuals still engage in discriminatory or harassing behaviors in the workplace, based on factors such as age, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, race, or nationality. In such cases, affected employees may file a lawsuit for harassment or discrimination. Visit this page to check out the employee survival guide podcast.
However, some employers may react with retaliation, even in the face of legal action taken by an employee who has been subjected to discrimination or sexual harassment. If you suspect that you are experiencing workplace retaliation, be on the lookout for the following signs:
Identifying Retaliation in a Workplace:
Retaliation in the workplace can occur even before an employee takes legal action. It can happen when an employee speaks up about illegal or unethical practices, also known as whistleblowing. Despite legal protections against retaliation for whistleblowers, it can still happen. As such, it is important to recognize the signs of retaliation.
One indication of retaliation is a reduction in wages. If an employee’s wages are cut for unwarranted or obscure reasons, they may be experiencing retaliation. Similarly, a demotion or loss of a promotion may be another sign of retaliation, especially if an employee was promised a promotion that was given to someone else or if their position was reduced.
Being overworked can also be a sign of retaliation, particularly if the employee is working overtime without pay or if the workload becomes unmanageable. On the other hand, being underworked can also indicate retaliation if an employee is losing work to the point of not being required at work at all.
Another sign of retaliation is exclusion. In some jobs, teamwork is essential, and if an employee is no longer part of the team or is excluded from team activities, they may be experiencing retaliation.
Final Thoughts:
It is crucial for employees to be aware of the signs of retaliation in the workplace. By recognizing these signs, they can take appropriate actions to protect their rights and well-being. If employees suspect retaliation, they should seek assistance from an HR representative or an employment law attorney to explore their legal options.
