“Quiet firing” is the act of making a workplace inhospitable for employees with the hope that an employee will quit before an employer has to fire them. Employers who quiet fire employees may be wrongfully terminating them, especially if it’s believed to be a form of discrimination or harassment.
Here are a few signs of quiet firing:
1. Giving an employee too much work
One of the ways an employee may try to push an employee out of a job is by giving them too much work. This extra workload may be intended to overwhelm an employee so that they would consider leaving for a less stressful job.
2. Giving an employee too little work
Conversely, an employer may give an employee too little work. This could make an employee feel unwanted and useless, causing them to consider leaving for a job where they feel needed.
3. Giving an employee work that they aren’t qualified to do
Another way an employer may try to quiet fire an employee is by giving them work that they are not trained or qualified to do. The employee may not be able to do the work, which can make them look bad or feel lost.
4. Removing an employee from team discussions
Many employees have to communicate with their coworkers to do their job. An employer may cut off any communication between employees or exclude an employee from meetings as a way to make it difficult for them to do their job.
5. Giving an employee a poor performance review
Poor work performance reviews can give employers reasons to let an employee go or reduce their salary or bonuses. However, intentionally giving an employee a poor work performance review contradictory to an employee’s work history could be an act of quiet firing.
Legal guidance can help employers avoid these mistakes and help employees respond if they feel their employer is trying to push them out inappropriately.