Being the subject of workplace retaliation can have many repercussions on both your personal and professional life. Feeling uncertain about your career because of the irrational and unprofessional conduct of others may cause disinterest that affects your productivity.
Knowing how to identify retaliatory behaviors and why they can create so much damage may help you to take action before things worsen. Because retaliation may jeopardize your job, your prompt response to unfair behavior may prevent ongoing damage to your reputation and career.
Loss of credibility
Negative actions toward you create an uncomfortable situation around your peers and coworkers. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, retaliatory behavior can take on many forms including verbal abuse, demotion, biased performance reviews and threats. Subjection to any of these actions, including false rumors, may cause substantial damage to your reputation.
Losing credibility because of the false accusations of others may impede your ability to do your job. Even if the truth comes out in your favor, your reputation may still suffer and take time to rebuild.
Lower self-confidence
Another negative impact of retaliation in the workplace is a loss of self-confidence. You may begin to doubt yourself, your skills and your experiences. If your situation at work results in losing your job or choosing to find a new employer, your lowered self-confidence may interfere with your ability to find a new job.
You should not have to suffer unfair treatment because you acted responsibly and with integrity. If you have endured retaliation because of your actions, you may choose to take legal action to provide some compensation for the trauma you experienced.