Can bullying be a form of workplace retaliation?

| Feb 5, 2019 | Employer Retaliation

If you have made a complaint about an event that occurred in your workplace or if you have complied with the requests of an investigation at your workplace, you will be legally protected from any type of workplace retaliation in the aftermath. This means that your employer cannot take any negative action against you as a result of you taking such actions. For example, they cannot fire you, lower your hours, demote you or subject you to disciplinary treatment.

While your employer cannot take formal actions such as those listed, they additionally cannot take any retaliatory action, no matter how subtle. Many people start to become subject to bullying from their employer after they make a complaint. If you are affected by workplace bullying, this can constitute workplace retaliation, and you should understand your right to take action.

What type of subtle behavior be classed as workplace retaliation?

A person who is being retaliated against may notice that he or she is suddenly being excluded from social events or important meetings in the workplace. They may be given the silent treatment from their boss or be subject to angry outbursts or abusive language. They may get the impression that their job is in jeopardy, even if they do not formally get fired or demoted.

It is important that bullying behavior such as this is recognized as a form of workplace retaliation and that it is not tolerated under any circumstances. Action can be taken in the state of New York to hold your employer responsible for subjecting you to bullying and retaliation.