In the employment law world, “adverse employment action” is a crucial term that every employee should understand. It’s a term that refers to any action taken by an employer that negatively affects the employee’s employment status. Adverse employment action could range from firing to demotion, or to any other action that results in a reduction of an employee’s job benefits.

What is an adverse employment action under Title VII?

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. An adverse employment action under Title VII refers to any action taken by an employer that results in a negative impact on an employee’s job, such as termination, demotion, or pay reduction, because of the employee’s race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Discrimination

Discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee differently because of their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Discrimination can take many forms, such as failing to hire, promote, or provide equal pay for equal work, or subjecting an employee to a hostile work environment.

If you believe you’ve experienced discrimination in the workplace, document any instances of discrimination and report them to your employer. If your employer fails to address the discrimination, you may have a claim for adverse employment action under Title VII and should seek the assistance of an experienced Los Angeles, CA employment lawyer.

Retaliation

Retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse employment action against an employee in response to the employee engaging in a protected activity, such as complaining about discrimination or harassment in the workplace. Retaliation can take many forms, such as demotion, termination, or a negative performance review.

What is an adverse employment action under state law in California?

In California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits employment discrimination based on several protected categories, including race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, and age. An adverse employment action under FEHA refers to any action taken by an employer that negatively impacts an employee’s employment, such as termination, demotion, or suspension, because of the employee’s protected status.

It’s worth noting that under FEHA, the definition of an adverse employment action is broader than under Title VII. For example, a change in an employee’s job duties or schedule, even if it doesn’t involve a reduction in pay or a change in job title, may still qualify as an adverse employment action under FEHA.

In what types of cases is this important?

An adverse employment action can be important in any case where an employee believes they’ve been discriminated against based on their protected status. This can include cases of wrongful termination, failure to hire or promote, harassment, and retaliation.

How can I prove that I suffered one?

Proving that you suffered an adverse employment action can be challenging, but it’s essential to establishing a claim for employment discrimination or retaliation. Here are a few tips to help you prove that you suffered an adverse employment action:

  • Keep detailed records of any negative actions taken by your employer, including changes in your job duties, schedule, or pay, as well as any instances of harassment or retaliation.
  • Gather any documentation that supports your claim, such as emails, performance evaluations, and witness statements.
  • Seek medical attention if you’ve experienced physical or emotional harm as a result of the adverse employment action.

An adverse employment action can have significant consequences for an employee’s career and personal life. If you believe you’ve suffered an adverse employment action based on your protected status, it’s essential to consult with an experienced employment lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options. With the right legal representation, you can fight back against discrimination and retaliation and seek the compensation you deserve.