Imagine finally getting the courage to report the harassment you experience at work. You followed the proper protocol. You told HR everything. Then suddenly, things started to change. But not in the way you expected.
At first it started small. Perhaps your time-off requests have been denied. Perhaps you have been uninvited from important meetings you usually attend. Then comes the negative performance reviews.
The message then becomes clear. You should have stayed quiet.
What is retaliation in the workplace?
If you experienced any of the scenarios above, then you are not alone. Many employees who have reported sexual harassment in the office often face retaliation for their actions.
Retaliation occurs when your employer or manager punishes you for reporting harassment in the workplace. It does not matter if you’re the one who experienced the harassment or not. Even if you are only a witness or reporting for a fellow employee, if management punishes you for speaking up then that is retaliation.
Common forms of retaliation at work
It is important to understand that the law protects you when you speak up about workplace harassment. But retaliation comes in many forms. Here are some of the most common you might experience at work:
- Termination
- Demotion
- Rejection of benefits
- Promotion denial
- Intimidation or threats
- Isolation or exclusion
Understanding the common forms of retaliation helps you identify when it happens to you and seek the protection you need.
What to do if you are being retaliated against?
Now that you understand the common forms of retaliation, you can start taking action to advocate for yourself. Here are some things you can do if you are experiencing retaliation:
- Document everything: Keep a record of any changes in your work situation before and after filing your harassment report.
- Stay professional: Confronting your manager or employer might be tempting but it can also hurt your case.
- Report through the proper channels: Just like how you handled your harassment report, follow your company’s protocols in reporting retaliation.
- Keep performing well: Continuing to do your job as best as you can counter any claims of poor performance your manager or employer may have.
Taking these practical measures helps you minimize risk and protect yourself from further attacks.
How to protect yourself
Reporting workplace harassment takes courage. You should not have to fear retaliation for doing the right thing. It is important to note that the law protects you, but you should also take action to protect yourself.
Remember, retaliation is illegal. By understanding your rights and taking protective measures, you can report violations with greater confidence.