How do you know if you are the victim of workplace retaliation?

On Behalf of | Apr 27, 2018 | Firm News, retaliation |

You are going to work with a higher-than-usual anticipation of the workday because you are expecting your quarterly performance evaluation. As a recent hire, you are excited to see if you have been able to effectively showcase your career strengths in your brief time in your new position in California. However, upon getting to work and receiving the envelope containing your evaluation, you are surprised to find a rather low score with several behavioral suggestions that do not seem to describe your actions. Have you been the victim of workplace retaliation?

If your employer is retaliating against you for your EEO history, this type of behavior could showcase itself in several different ways. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, if your employer is engaging in the following actions, you should file a formal complaint alleging retaliation:

  • Abusive behavior that is verbal or physical in nature.
  • Threatening to call the authorities on you to report your behavior.
  • Spreading rumors about you.
  • Lowering your scores on performance evaluations.
  • Making your job more difficult or stressful.
  • Transferring you to another department or position that is less desirable.

Your employer is acting illegally and may be at risk of legal punishment if they retaliate against you for engaging in responsible actions in an effort to keep yourself safe in the workplace. For example, if you are being harassed or see someone else being harassed and bring it to the attention of your superiors, your employer does not have the right to punish you for being forthright.

The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.