Question

1. What is retaliatory demotion?
2. Should an HR professional always recommend demoting an employee as a punishment?

Answer 1

Retaliatory Demotion is a punishment given to the employee by the employer for engaging in legal protected activity.It includes negative action such as demotion, firing , salary reduction, change of shifts etc.

Demotion can occur due to various reasons like employee performance , disciplinary action etc.

HR professional recommend demotion or strict action on a non negotiable rules or conduct of the organisation ,however its not established that its the only way out. HR try to strike a balance between policy of the firm and also internal harmony for smooth funcutioning.

If for every wrongful act HR gives a demotion , it could demotivate other employees ,and the employee synergy gets disturbed which can hamper the work culture too.

HR needs to be very upfront and particuar about the punishment granted and the consequences,they also need to maintain the discipline and thus has to create a perfect distinction betweem punishment and disciplinary action.

Hr dont really recommend demotion as an punishment , sometimes a personal intimation or a face to face session is also a way to take an action ,but if something crosses the limit HR definately go for demotions.

The action and the consequences needs justification.

Demotions have there legal consequence involved. There are perhaps more effective and less risky options with the HR to deal with workforce effectively.There should be degrees of punishments with the degree of misconduct

The level should be thiouroghly told to the employees so that they know whats the consequence .and hence are prepared for bearing the outcomes.

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