Quiet firing, a growing workplace trend, refers to a situation where employees are subtly pushed out of their roles without being overtly fired or laid off. This can happen when managers fail to provide clear expectations, feedback, support, career development, and recognition, thereby making employees feel ignored and encouraging them to leave the organization.
There are several ways companies may engage in quiet firing. One approach is to impose restrictions on remote work or require employees to relocate, putting pressure on them to reconsider their commitment to the organization. Similarly, instituting more structured working hours may signal a less appealing work environment.
Companies may also quietly fire employees by reducing job benefits or perks. By offering fewer incentives or taking away benefits packages related to wellness, flexibility, gym memberships, retirement contributions, or other important factors, companies can create an environment that encourages employees to leave. However, this erodes the employee value proposition and dissatisfies those who remain.
Another tactic is to place an increased emphasis on performance evaluations or performance improvement plans. By subjecting employees to heightened scrutiny and raising the bar for performance, companies can create an environment where low-performing employees feel the need to either quickly improve or seek alternative positions.
Employees who are being quietly fired may also experience a lack of salary increases or career advancement opportunities. They may be overlooked for promotions or job advancements despite delivering excellent work. Additionally, their pay may suffer while colleagues continue to advance in their careers.
Neglecting or excluding employees from important work or advancement opportunities is another means of quietly firing them. Managers may intentionally neglect employees or exclude them from meetings, events, and decision-making processes, thereby signaling that they do not fit or have opportunities for growth within the company.
Lastly, employees who are being quietly fired may be asked to write down their job duties or create a job description or standard operating procedures manual for their roles. This can create a feeling of insecurity as their responsibilities are potentially being transferred to others or as if they are being replaced.
Overall, quiet firing occurs when employees are subjected to subtle changes in their work environment that make their positions less appealing and eventually lead them to leave the organization.