How is retaliation defined under employment laws?

Retaliation under employment laws is defined as taking adverse action against an employee for engaging in legally protected activity. This concept is crucial in maintaining employee rights, ensuring that individuals can report misconduct, discrimination, or unsafe working conditions without fear of punishment or negative consequences from their employer. Legally protected activities include filing complaints with regulatory agencies, participating in investigations, or exercising other rights under employment law, such as requesting accommodations for a disability.

Understanding this definition is important for both employers and employees, as it establishes a framework for protecting whistleblowers and those who stand up against unfair practices in the workplace. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who assert their rights, and any adverse action—such as demotion, termination, changes in job responsibilities, or harassment—taken as a response to these activities is viewed as unlawful.