Signs You’re a Victim of Workplace Retaliation

Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer, supervisor, or any other leading faculty member, punishes an employee for engaging in a protected act. Protected acts include reporting illegal activity, taking PTO, and other things of that nature. However, it is illegal if an employer is unhappy with your actions and acts out emotionally to punish you.

But how can you tell whether their actions are purposeful or whether you’re getting clouded by anxious or angry emotions? Read on to learn how to know whether you’re a victim of workplace retaliation.

Know What Workplace Retaliation Looks Like

The first thing you need to be able to do is to identify signs of workplace retaliation. One of the most common examples of workplace retaliation is the alteration of work conditions. Sometimes, an employer will give you consistently difficult work. If you’re made to feel like you’re being set up for failure, it’s time to pay attention.

Look for Sudden Changes in Attitude

Sudden and drastic changes in attitude towards you can be another red flag. If you once had a good relationship with your employer, and they suddenly ignore you, talk down to you, or act maliciously, this can be cause for concern. Because everyone has bad days, it’s important to look at consistency; weeks or months of the same treatment go beyond “a bad day.”

Pay Attention to Timing

While all the above can indicate workplace retaliation, it can also be an innocent mistake or misunderstanding in some situations. Ultimately, the best way to tell whether you’re a victim of workplace retaliation is to pay attention to the timing.

If you just filed a complaint, took time off when your boss didn’t want you to, or engaged in any other protected activity your boss may not have liked; this is likely not a coincidence. However, if you’ve done nothing of the sort, you may want to reevaluate and ask yourself whether you’re reading into things.

Have a Monitored Conversation

The best thing you can do for yourself and everyone involved is to sit down and have a conversation with your employer. However, to protect yourself, do this in a way that will get recorded, such as through email or with a witness present.

If an employer is retaliating against you, they will likely never outwardly admit it. Engaging in an open and honest conversation is the best way to see if any excuses appear and fall apart. And if you feel that multiple employers are retaliating against you, you can talk to them individually and see if their explanations align. If their excuses don’t make sense or don’t coincide, a more significant issue is likely at hand.