Legal Definitions - adverse job action

Adverse job action refers to any negative action taken by an employer against an employee that affects their employment status or working conditions. This can include:

• Termination
• Demotion
• Reduction in pay or benefits
• Refusal to hire or promote
• Harassment or discrimination

For example, if an employee is fired because they reported sexual harassment in the workplace, this would be considered an adverse job action. Similarly, if an employee is passed over for a promotion because of their race, this would also be an adverse job action.

These examples illustrate how adverse job actions can have serious consequences for employees, including loss of income, damage to their reputation, and emotional distress. It is important for employers to avoid taking adverse job actions against employees for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.