adverse action

Adverse action refers to any negative step taken by an employer, such as firing, demoting, or refusing to hire, that might be related to an employee's race, gender, age, or other protected characteristic. It can also include actions like not promoting or giving unfair treatment due to these reasons. Laws are designed to protect individuals from such unfair treatment, ensuring decisions are based on performance or other legitimate factors, not discrimination or retaliation. Essentially, adverse action is any unfavorable decision that harms or disadvantages someone because of protected characteristics or protected activities.