A poor performance review can be frustrating under any circumstances. When that review appears shortly after you reported workplace misconduct, requested accommodations, or exercised your legal rights, it may feel less like feedback and more like punishment. Retaliatory performance reviews are a common concern in employment law, and understanding how to respond can help protect your career and your rights.

At LG Law LLC, we can provide legal assistance to the Kansas City public when workplace retaliation becomes a concern.

What Is a Retaliatory Performance Review?

A retaliatory performance review occurs when an employer gives an employee an unjustifiably negative evaluation in response to legally protected activity. Protected activity may include reporting discrimination or harassment, filing a workers’ compensation claim, requesting medical or family leave, asking for reasonable accommodations, or participating in an internal investigation.

If the review is inconsistent with your prior evaluations or lacks factual support, it may raise red flags.

Common Signs of Retaliation

Retaliation is not always obvious, but certain patterns can suggest improper motives. These may include a sudden negative review after years of positive feedback, vague criticisms without examples, harsher standards applied only to you, or disciplinary action tied closely in time to a complaint or request you made.

Not every negative review is unlawful, but timing and inconsistency often matter.

Steps to Take After a Retaliatory Review

If you believe your performance review is retaliatory, start by documenting everything. Keep copies of past evaluations, emails, performance metrics, and any correspondence related to your protected activity. Write down dates, names, and specific comments made by supervisors.

If appropriate, you may respond to the review in writing. A professional, factual response that highlights inaccuracies can become important evidence later. Many employers also have internal grievance or appeal procedures that may be worth considering.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Reacting emotionally or quitting immediately can sometimes hurt your position. While every situation is different, it is often better to pause, gather information, and understand your options before making major decisions. Continuing to meet job expectations can also help counter claims of poor performance.

When Legal Guidance May Be Necessary

If a retaliatory review leads to demotion, loss of pay, termination, or creates a hostile work environment, legal guidance can be critical. Employment retaliation claims are time-sensitive and depend heavily on evidence and proper procedure.

An employment law attorney can help evaluate whether your review crosses legal lines and advise you on next steps.

Support for Kansas City Employees

Workplace retaliation can feel isolating, but employees do have protections under both federal and Missouri law. Taking informed action early can make a meaningful difference.

At LG Law LLC, we assist Kansas City employees in addressing retaliation and protecting their workplace rights.