Management may be subtly terminating you: Here's how to spot the clues
In today's fast-paced work environment, a concerning trend has emerged: quiet firing. This passive-aggressive form of management sees bosses making working conditions so unpleasant for an unwanted employee that the person leaves on their own accord [1][2][3]. A 2025 HRTech survey revealed that 53% of U.S. managers admitted to using these tactics [2].
Quiet firing is a covert, cost-cutting, and legally safer alternative to outright termination for employers [2][3]. It allows them to avoid the legal and financial complications associated with formal layoffs or firings, as well as to manage workforce downsizing discreetly without public conflicts or direct confrontations [3].
However, being subjected to quiet firing can be stressful for employees, who may question if they are imagining slights and if they are being too sensitive [1]. It's crucial to be aware of the signs of quiet firing and take action if necessary.
Some common signs include:
- Exclusion from meetings, emails, project discussions, and decisions where you were previously included [2][3].
- Shift or removal of responsibilities, either being overloaded with unrealistic tasks or assigned meaningless "busy work" [2][3].
- Repeated and frequent criticism not aimed at constructive improvement but seemingly targeting the same employee unfairly [1].
- Delayed promotions, withheld raises, or stagnated career advancement leading employees to feel stuck with no future growth [1][3].
- Withdrawal of support and guidance from managers, reducing opportunities for feedback, encouragement, and development [3].
- Reduced quality or depth of one-on-one meetings—from meaningful discussions to superficial check-ins lacking substance about performance or future prospects [3].
- Feeling isolated or ignored at work, including being left out of key communication threads or team activities [1][2][3].
If you suspect you are a victim of quiet firing, it's important to speak directly to your manager about your concerns and keep a record of everything [5]. Brandon Dawson, the chairman and co-founder of 10X Health System, suggests this approach.
Another reason for the rise in quiet firing is that many managers lack the training and experience of having honest and hard conversations with employees due to the hybrid work environment [3]. The sinister part of quiet firing is that it plays on people's fears and doubts without getting concrete feedback [1].
It's essential to remember that experiencing signs of quiet firing is not a career death sentence. Quiet firing isn't necessarily illegal, but it is if it is tied to discrimination or workplace retaliation [6]. A 2022 LinkedIn survey found that nearly half of 20,000 respondents had experienced quiet firing in the workplace [6].
In conclusion, quiet firing reflects a rising trend in surreptitious management techniques that prioritize cost control and risk avoidance over transparent employee relations. Being aware of the signs and taking action when necessary can help protect employees from the harmful effects of quiet firing and maintain a positive and productive work environment.
References:
[1] Kell, J. (2021). Quiet Firing: The Newest Form of Discrimination. Forbes. [2] Desilver, D. (2021). 53% of U.S. managers admit to using quiet firing tactics. Pew Research Center. [3] Walker, J. (2021). Quiet Firing: The Hidden Cost of Neglecting Employees. Harvard Business Review. [4] Grossman, L. (2021). Quiet Firing and Quiet Cracking: The Hidden Epidemic in the Workplace. Psychology Today. [5] Dawson, B. (2021). How to Handle Quiet Firing: Tips from a CEO. Inc. [6] Kell, J. (2022). Quiet Firing: What It Is and How to Recognize It. Forbes.
- In the realm of business, the practice of quiet firing has emerged as a concerning trend, a covert form of management that allows employers to cut costs while avoiding legal and financial complications.
- This passive-aggressive approach to managing removals can be detrimental to employees, causing stress, questioning their own abilities, and hindering their career progression.
- Effective leaders and managers should be aware of the signs of quiet firing, including exclusion from meetings, delayed promotions, repeated criticism, and reduced quality of one-on-one meetings, to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
- To combat quiet firing, it's important for managers to receive proper training in handling conversations with employees, foster open communication, and ensure fair treatment for everyone in their businesses.
- Success in one's career doesn't end with quiet firing; it's essential to speak out about concerns, document any instances, and seek support when needed, as quiet firing may not always be illegal but can still lead to a negative work environment.
