Many employers have the right to fire their employees. However, these employees may have a right to unemployment or severance packages in return. This does not always favor businesses and, as a result, employers may use unethical tactics to push employees out of their business. This strategy is often called “quiet firing.”
Quiet firing describes a situation when an employer makes a toxic workplace. They will often target an employee with the hopes that they leave because this can save the business money or it could be done out of retaliation or discrimination. While the term quiet firing is new, the strategy is very old. Employees victim to quiet firing may take legal action. It can help to know the signs of quiet firing before beginning a case. Here is what you should know:
Are you a victim of quiet firing? Know the signs
Employers do not always make it obvious that they are trying to quiet fire an employee. They may use tactics over several months until an employee eventually gets tired of their job and leaves. There are several signs that you may be a target of quiet firing, including:
- Loss of work
- Overloaded with work
- Unexplainably poor performance reviews
- Excluded from meetings, conversations and group emails
- Repeatedly asked to work late
- Changed roles
- Relocated
These actions can make you frustrated, stressed and overwhelmed at your job. That is typically the intent of quiet firing. You can spot these signs early and take action.
What could you do if you were a target of quiet firing?
If you suspect you are a target of quiet firing, then you could take legal action. You may be able to hold an employer liable for their actions in creating a toxic work environment that has caused you unreasonable stress.
