What is one example of an adverse action?

Suspension is a clear example of an adverse action as it represents a significant disciplinary measure that restricts an employee's ability to perform their job duties for a specified period. It typically implies a serious infraction or misconduct and serves as a formal penalty against an employee.

In the context of workplace discipline, adverse actions refer to actions taken by an employer that negatively impact the employee's job status, benefits, or conditions of employment. A suspension can affect not only the employee's income during the time of suspension but also their future career prospects and reputation within the organization.

While corrective interviews, verbal reprimands, and denial of merit increases are also disciplinary measures, they do not carry the same level of severity and long-term consequences as a suspension does. A corrective interview may be a preliminary step towards addressing an employee's performance or behavior issues without imposing serious penalties, a verbal reprimand is often more informal and serves as a warning rather than a punitive action, and denial of a merit increase affects pay increases rather than job status itself. Thus, suspension distinctly stands out as an adverse action due to its immediate and tangible effects on employment.