If you report an unfair act to those in authority in your office or an external agency, you should be protected from retaliation. For example, when you file a sexual harassment claim against a colleague or report a company’s violation of state or federal regulation to law enforcement.
Retaliation is also not uncommon among employees who refuse to engage in an activity or policy that violates a law/regulation or those who ask questions to identify discrimination.
Even though unlawful, retaliation remains a concern in many companies. So, how can you spot it?
It can be clear
Retaliation can be obvious in most cases. Essentially, if you are unfairly treated after doing any of the aforementioned things or more to protect your rights, chances are your employer is retaliating against you.
The unfair treatment can take different forms, including:
- Denial of opportunities, such as promotions, training/career-advancing opportunities and so on
- Transfer to a different location/department/shift
- Reduction of pay or hours
- Verbal abuse/bullying
- Unfair performance reviews
- Dismissal
You should obtain adequate information if any of these happen. For example, if you are transferred to a different department, learn more about the opportunity. Do your skills match the new duties? Is the department or position less desirable? and so forth.
What can you do?
If your employer retaliates against you, consider taking action against them. Government agencies, including the Florida Commission on Human Relations, have set rules that protect employees and job applicants from retaliation. They will take measures to ensure your rights are protected.
If you experience unfavorable treatment at work, such as sexual harassment, discrimination or wrongful termination, or your employer retaliates against you for reporting the treatment in question, seek legal guidance to make informed decisions.