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7 signs to look for if you suspect workplace retaliation

On Behalf of | Dec 1, 2022 | Retaliation

Both Pennsylvania and federal laws prohibit employers from discriminating against their employees for numerous reasons – and they also prevent employer retaliation in response to a legally protected activity that their employer may not like.

Unfortunately, workplace retaliation is not uncommon. Retaliation can come directly from above (through your manager, supervisor or another boss), or it can come from around you (by your co-workers) and simply permitted by management. Sometimes retaliation is obvious, but it can also be subtle. Knowing what to look for can help you recognize employer retaliation when it happens to you.

Employer behaviors that amount to retaliation

Workplace retaliation can take multiple forms. Any negative employment action that is severe enough that it might deter any reasonable employee from performing their duties is likely to be sufficient grounds for pursuing your employer for workplace retaliation. 

Here are employer actions that can help you build a case against your employer:

  1. A demotion from your position without apparent justification
  2. Removal from certain responsibilities that are a benefit to your career
  3. Unexplained dismissal from your job shortly after you file a complaint 
  4. Pay reduction or loss of your usual work hours when it seems targeted, not company-wide
  5. Intentional exclusion from training programs, staff meetings or other work-related activities that are available to other employees
  6. Transfer or reassignment from your current workstation to a less favorable one.
  7. Unfavorable performance appraisals that are not due to a change in the quality of your work

Workplace retaliation is a serious problem with far-reaching personal implications. Find out how you can safeguard your rights and interests when pursuing a workplace retaliation claim that is occasioned by retaliation.