Which of the following describes "retaliation" in the workplace?

Retaliation in the workplace refers to actions taken by an employer against an employee who has engaged in a protected activity, such as reporting discrimination or harassment. This definition encompasses various punitive measures that can occur as a direct response to the employee's action, like demotions, reduced hours, or even termination. The core principle is that retaliation constitutes an illegal act under employment law, as it serves to deter individuals from exercising their rights or speaking out against unlawful practices.

The other options presented do not embody the essence of retaliatory actions. Offering promotions to everyone equally reflects fairness and equality in the workplace, which contrasts sharply with the notion of punishment for a protected activity. Encouraging teamwork promotes collaboration and a positive work environment, indicating supportive actions rather than punitive. Implementing new training programs serves organizational development and employee skill enhancement, which is not related to retaliation against an employee's reporting of discrimination. Thus, only the choice concerning punishment for reporting aligns with the legal definition of workplace retaliation.