When you are demoted at work, it can be a very disheartening experience. You may feel as though your skills are being underestimated, and your confidence is likely to take a hit. But many have reason to believe that their demotion was wrongful.
If you have been a victim of sexual harassment in the office, it is likely that you have refused advances of some kind from an employee or manager. You might feel that your demotion is somehow linked to the sexual harassment that you were victim to, whether or not you reported it initially. Here are some tips on what to do when you believe that your demotion was a wrongful one.
When is it illegal to demote an employee?
Employers can legally and rightfully demote an employee whenever they wish, and they do not need to give a specific reason for this. However, there are two specific reasons for which they cannot demote you. This is for reasons of discrimination or for whistleblowing.
What does this mean for sexual harassment issues and demotion?
This means that if you have made a complaint about harassment from another employee, you will be legally considered as a whistleblower. Therefore, as a whistleblower, you will be protected from demotion under the law.
This highlights the importance of making complaints about sexual harassment or discrimination in the workplace. It not only helps you to bring about justice, but it also means that you will be protected from any type of retaliation, including demotion, as a result. If you believe that your demotion was wrongful, it is important to apply your specific situation to the law.
Source: The Balance, “How to handle a wrongful demotion,” accessed Feb. 21, 2018