What Is Quiet Firing? Tips on What To Do If You're Being Quiet-Fired

No one likes to be let go, but the method of quiet firing may be the worst of all.

In the current business climate, there are times when companies must make difficult decisions such as laying off employees. It may also happen that managers who don’t get along or are unhappy with the performance of certain employees, but are unable to conduct a direct termination, resort to an alternative to the traditional firing process – quiet firing.

The goal of quiet firing is to allow the company to avoid the potential awkwardness, legal implications, and possible negative PR of firing someone directly. 

This is how quiet firing can affect your career: unfortunately, this method could lead to employees being mistreated and taken advantage of. For an employee, quiet firing can be a confusing and difficult experience. In many cases, the employee may not realize they are being quiet-fired until it is too late. This can lead to feelings of hurt, anger, and betrayal and can be a very traumatic experience. 

What is Quiet Firing?

Quiet firing is a form of indirect termination used by companies to avoid direct confrontation with an employee. Rather than an employer telling an employee they are being terminated, they will instead try to push the employee from their job in a less direct manner.

This is a strategy that has long been used to ease out underperformers and those with personalities that don’t match the company culture without paying them separation pay. With quiet firing, management purposefully creates a negative or even hostile work environment that demotivates people so that they choose to leave voluntarily. 

Sometimes the moves are sudden and abrupt, and at other times they are done so gradually that the employee doesn’t realize they’re already being quiet-fired. 

What Are the Signs of Quiet Firing?

Here are some common indicators that may suggest you’re being quiet-fired:

You are assigned to work tasks outside your job description.

If your boss piles on work that’s outside your usual roster of tasks, and it’s work that’s stressful and unfamiliar to you, that’s a red flag. 

You’re given a pay cut or are denied overtime or bonuses.

If you’re no longer being allowed to work overtime for extra pay, not given a bonus, and being denied other opportunities to earn more, it could be a sign that something’s amiss. Worse is when you’re given a pay cut.

You are assigned to other teams, departments, even branches.

Being asked to work outside your “home” department or being assigned elsewhere, without a promotion, new responsibility, or other clear reason, could be a way of easing you out. 

You are demoted or denied a promotion, new tasks, or responsibilities.

If others around you are being trusted with new opportunities to advance their career and you are not, this could be a warning sign. This sign could also take the form of being prevented from receiving a promotion you deserve, or worse, getting demoted for no good reason.

You’re taken out of the loop.

Communication is the glue that holds everything together. If you find yourself being left out of conversations and being dropped from group chats, or observe that groups of people conversing breaking up when you approach, it may be a sign that you are being eased out. 

Your employer is avoiding you. 

If your boss has been distant during conversations, avoiding your calls or emails, and otherwise decreasing their contact with you to an unusual degree, this could be a sign that they are quietly trying to make a transition happen.

You are given unreasonable performance targets.

When you’re given targets that you can’t possibly reach, that’s a major red flag.

You are being isolated.

When your important tasks and responsibilities are given to others, and you’re left with little of significance to do, it could be a sign that you’re no longer wanted.

Tips On What to Do If You Think You’re Being Quietly Fired

If you’re being quietly fired, it can be a difficult and confusing time. You may feel embarrassed, betrayed, or even angry. It’s important to understand that being quietly fired is not a reflection of your work ethic or abilities, but rather a business decision or a reflection of the company culture. 

Here are a few tips on what to do when being quietly fired. These will help you handle the situation, move forward, and ensure that you come out ahead in the long run. 

Remain calm and stay professional. 

It can be tempting to lash out and express your frustrations, but it is important to remain professional and level-headed. Remember that you’re still employed, and this is not the time to make enemies. Be polite and respectful to your colleagues and supervisors. Maintain a positive attitude and keep your focus on the future. 

Find out what’s happening. 

First, get an accurate picture. Are you being quiet-fired, or is your employer just going through a rough time (“May pinagdadaanan,” as we say)? Are you being over-sensitive? Make sure you are not misinterpreting what’s happening. Don’t overreact. 

Do your due diligence.

Do your research on your company’s policies on job descriptions, working conditions, and rules on promotion, raises, and bonuses. It may be that what you are experiencing falls within the parameters of your company’s rules and regulations. Don’t jump to conclusions.

Document, document, document.

In order to understand your situation better or to build your case, compile documentation of the good and bad. 

The good refers to your achievements and accomplishments at work. Proof of such are evaluation or performance reports, emails or messages commending you, certificates, and other forms of written feedback. The bad refers to evidence of mistreatment. 

Communicate with your employer. 

If your situation has become unbearable and it is affecting your mental and/or physical health, initiate an open and honest conversation with your employer. Tell them how you feel, but be professional and try not to come off as complaining. Relate the unpleasant incidents and ask the reason for these and how your situation can be improved. 

Also read: Take It Easy! Signs Of Stress At Work And How To Manage Them Better

Try negotiating.

If it’s clear that you are being eased out (especially after you’ve had a heart-to-heart with your employer), don’t resign just yet. Try to negotiate a good deal in exchange for your graceful exit. Offer to leave voluntarily in exchange for a good recommendation, job placement assistance, three months’ salary, or other benefit that’s important to you. The reason you are being quiet-fired is because they can’t fire you directly. So you have some leverage you can use to ease your departure. 

Get a lawyer.

This may be a last resort. If you have a union, approach them first and ask if they can help. If you take the path of legal action, be sure to have all the evidence that will make your case a strong one. 

Focus on the positive.

Being quiet-fired can be a difficult experience, but try to look at it as a positive opportunity. Use this as a chance to reassess your career goals and explore new opportunities.

Ready to #SEEKBetter?

Ultimately, it’s your decision whether to go or stay. Ask yourself, is it worth it? Consider your health, well-being, and peace of mind. Remember you deserve to be appreciated and treated properly wherever your workplace. 

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