Retaliation can severely impact employee morale and the overall health of any organisation. At Cemex, we are committed to maintaining a positive and safe workplace through our Non-Discrimination, Non-  Harassment, Non-Bullying, and Non-Retaliation Policy. This policy strictly prohibits any form of retaliation or discrimination against individuals—whether they are employees or third parties. 

Despite this, not everyone fully understands what retaliation is or how it can manifest. In this article, we will explore the concept of retaliation to foster a supportive and inclusive work environment for all. 

What is Retaliation?

Retaliation occurs when an individual at Cemex faces negative consequences for reporting in good faith a possible misconduct or engaging in protected activities. These activities can include reporting harassment, discrimination, or unethical behaviour. The retaliation may take many forms, such as: 

• Being passed over for promotions.
• Receiving unwarranted negative performance reviews.
• More subtle actions, such as being excluded from meetings or team activities. 

Why is Retaliation Harmful?

Retaliation erodes trust within the organization. When employees fear retribution for raising concerns, they are less likely to report issues, allowing inappropriate behaviours to persist or escalate. This not only creates a hostile work environment but also negatively affects productivity, collaboration, and morale. 

What Can You Do if You Experience Retaliation?

If you believe you are experiencing retaliation, or if you know someone who is, remember that you are not alone. Cemex provides various channels through which you can share your experiences. By encouraging others to speak up, you help to build a culture of integrity and transparency. 

How Does Cemex View Retaliation?

At Cemex, we prioritize the protection of all employees and third parties from retaliation. Any confirmed acts of retaliation are subject to strict disciplinary measures as outlined in our policy. 

Need Support or Want to Learn More?

If you or a colleague are facing retaliation, please remember that there are official, confidential channels to share your situation. To learn more about retaliation and how to report it, we encourage you to take the Doing What’s Right: ETHOS in Action course available now. 

Together, we can Act with Integrity and build a better future, together.