Short answer
Avoid language connecting complaints, leave, accommodations, or protected activity to punishment.
Manager Retaliation Wording to Avoid
Identify manager phrases that may sound retaliatory and rewrite them more safely.
Why wording matters
Manager wording can become direct evidence of retaliatory motive.
Bad example
After your complaint, we are watching your performance more closely.
Safer rewrite
We will apply the same performance expectations consistently and document any concerns based on objective work-related facts.
ADA · FMLA · EEOC Aligned Guidance
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