Employees experience a variety of mistreatments in the workplace. These could include sexual harassment, discrimination based on protected classes or workplace retaliation. All of these could be violations of an employee’s rights.
However, reports show that employees do not always speak up right away, especially when it comes to sexual harassment. Some do not report the misconduct for months or even years. Some never report it at all. In many cases, it takes one employee coming forward, and then numerous other employees may be encouraged to step forward and make similar claims.
But why is it that this type of mistreatment goes unreported?
Worries about retaliation
Workplace retaliation is illegal. If an employee reports sexual harassment and then gets fired because of that report, for instance, it is an illegal termination. The employee can take legal action against their former employer.
However, fear of retaliation is still a major reason why people do not speak up sooner. Many are worried about losing their jobs, knowing they are dependent on their income and living paycheck to paycheck. Others are worried about being blackballed within their industry and not being able to work at all anymore.
Even those who do not fear being fired may worry that they will get a reputation for being difficult to work with, that they will see their hours or pay cut, or that they will be passed over for promotions they otherwise deserve.
Your legal options
Worrying about retaliation is very normal, but it is also critical to understand that it is illegal. As an employee, you need to know exactly what legal steps you can take to protect your rights.