While there are many ways to leave a job, getting fired is not the way most employees anticipate leaving their place of employment. Getting fired implies that an individual is leaving an organisation on poor terms. Sometimes a dismissal can happen suddenly, while on some occasions there can be indications of an imminent sacking. In this article, we discuss reasons why employees get fired and learn about how to look out for and identify any signs that you might get fired.
1. You're completely out of the loop
Looking for the warning signs of getting fired? Don't miss this one: You're left off email chains, not invited to meetings, or just generally out of the loop when it comes to day-to-day details. It wasn't always this way. Little by little, however, it feels as though you've been cut out of the core company. Perhaps your boss or manager thinks you no longer need to know things.
2. Your role isn't developing or growing
Worse still is that your role isn't growing or developing. For example, you're no longer invited to training seminars or workshops and it's been a long time since your boss took any interest in your position. Plus, you can see no clear progression path in your role. This could be a one of the clearest signs that you're getting fired, because your boss has stopped keeping you in mind for the long term.
3. You receive a pay cut
There are times when a struggling company has no choice but to reduce salaries to stay afloat. When the company slashes your pay while others receive theirs in full, it can imply imminent dismissal. It is also a sign that they don't value you anymore.
4. Superiors no longer acknowledge your accomplishments
To encourage employees to do their best, employers and managers praise them for doing a good job. When others receive praise for their work and you don't, perhaps the company no longer appreciates your efforts. Once employers make it a habit of not recognising your hard work, you may be about to lose your job.
5. You’re being micromanaged
Being micromanaged means your boss hovers over your shoulder and watches your every move. This is often because they don’t trust that you’re capable of accomplishing your tasks properly. Micromanagement might make you feel self-conscious and doubtful of your abilities.
Think about how many times your boss used to check in on your progress before. Has it doubled or tripled recently? When they do reach out, are they asking general questions, or are they nit-picking your work?
6. Your workload has been reduced
Last month, you felt overwhelmed with your workload. Now, your tasks have been reduced by half. Having responsibilities taken away at work could mean that your team is preparing for your exit. And if you notice other coworkers taking on your responsibilities, that’s a bad sign. This could be a red flag that higher-ups are testing to see if your position is necessary or if they could lay you off to save money.
7. They encourage you to go on vacation
If you're looking for signs you’re about to be fired, it doesn't get any clearer than this. Provided it's not a reward for a huge project you've just finished, your boss is probably telling you they'd rather not have you in the office.
8. Polite chit-chat is a thing of the past
In the good old days, your work hours were peppered with polite chit-chat and casual conversation. You gossiped with co-workers about weekend plans and your boss stopped to ask how your evening was. Now, those days seem over and the only communication you get is via email. Something is most definitely up.
9. There's a weird vibe when you enter the room
You enter the office each morning to a weird, uncomfortable vibe. It may feel like the entire room stops talking the instant you walk through the door. No, you're not imagining it. Perhaps they know something that nobody wants to tell you.
10. Your superior keeps asking if you are O.K.
Firing someone is not always easy for employers. When employers or superiors have reasons to worry about your mental health, especially if you've had a recent 'episode' or outburst, they may look for a subtle way to fire you. You may notice frequent invitations to your employer's office to ask if you are doing well or struggling in your work. If this persists, a meeting may eventually be called to terminate your appointment.
11. You recently got into trouble
Sometimes, you can almost predict your sacking. When you commit an obvious error with severe consequences for the company, you risk losing your job. For instance, if you are currently under investigation for fraud, misdemeanour or leaking company information, you may lose your job.
12. Your deadlines just moved up and they’re all around the same date
If having all your deadlines stacked together sounds stressful, don't worry, it's about to end.
At least now you know the exact date of your dismissal. It’s a common practice to make people clear their to-do list before letting them know their services are no longer required.
13. Your mistakes or slacking off no longer matter
Why? Because it's your actual mistakes and slacking off that made your boss want to fire you in the first place. They already know about it.
On the other hand, suddenly they look at your minor poor behavior under a microscope. After all, the longer the list of transgressions, the easier it'll be to justify your dismissal.
14. Your boss goes directly to your subordinates
In most workplaces, there's a clear hierarchical system in place. For example, you might be the head of a small team or responsible for another employee. In cases like these, your boss should come to you to find out information about your subordinates, such as how they're progressing. If your boss suddenly starts to go below you, it could be a sign that you're no longer needed.
15. There's been a "shake up" in the management team
There are few phrases in the English language as terrifying as "shake up". When uttered together, these two words tend to mean that people will be unceremoniously fired and new people will be hired. If that's happened in your company's management team, don't be surprised if more changes are on the way.
16. Your performance reviews have been poor
One of the easiest ways to tell if your job may be in danger is to consider your performance. Have you been at your best? How have your recent performance reviews been? Have you been put on a performance improvement plan (PIP)? If you've been scoring low time and time again, it's likely one of the signs you will be getting fired. These reviews are a chance to see whether or not you're on track and rectify any issues, so if they haven't been going well, you may not be satisfying those in charge.
17. You’re being ignored
Your coworkers thrive on collaborative work, and the environment has always felt engaging. But when you feel like you’re getting the silent treatment, your team might know you’re on your way out.
Pay attention to your conversations with your boss, and notice how long they spend engaging with you. It’s one thing to catch your boss when they’re busy, but it’s another if they continuously brush you off.
18. There is a job opening for your position
Companies usually advertise a job opening when a position is vacant. In most cases, the dismissal of an employee or a resignation leaves a position vacant for new people. If management is already looking for someone for your role, they may want to hire someone else in your place.
19. Management keeps rejecting your request for improved benefits
Usually, the employer determines an employee's benefits, including a pay rise, an all-expenses-paid holiday or an official apartment. Employees can also request these benefits if they believe they deserve them due to their decent record, which companies may consider. If management keeps rejecting your request for a pay rise, perhaps the company no longer needs your services. Companies prefer to invest in people they want to associate with long term.
20. A new boss is brought in
If your previous boss was let go for not performing well enough, the arrival of new leadership is often accompanied by massive restructuring.
Unfortunately, even if you're perfectly willing to play along with the new guy, he might still perceive you as loyal to the old regime. And hand you a pink slip.