Employee work-life balance has significantly changed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As priorities have shifted, employees have become captivated by the idea of quiet quitting. Due to this trending phenomenon, employers have responded with quiet firing practices. By implementing this idea, employers create a hostile work environment to push employees to quit.
Understanding The Term Quiet Firing
Quiet firing is defined as a workplace that fails to reward an employee for their contributions to an organization, forcing them to leave their jobs. As managers react to quiet quitting, methods are being used to combat this detachment. According to a recent survey, one in three managers implements passive-aggressive tactics to make work uncomfortable for an employee in hopes that the quiet quitter will choose to leave the company. A workplace that fails to reward employees for their contributions to an organization is forcing them to leave their jobs.
Employers that implement quiet firing are creating a culture of uncertainty. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) explained four signs of quiet firing:
- Passing over an employee for promotions or raises despite high productivity and a strong work ethic
- Withholding feedback from workers on submitted projects
- Assigning projects that are beneath an employee's skill set or job description
- Regularly canceling one-on-one and progress meetings
Signs Of Quiet Quitting
Many managers and business owners notice when employees begin to disconnect from the workplace. According to Forbes, attributes of employee disengagement can be viewed as:
- Showing up to work on time, not earlier
- Taking a lunch break, not eating at their desk
- Leaving exactly when the day ends
- Turning off emails and calls outside of work hours
- Not participating in extra activities
- Not volunteering for work events
- Not helping with other's workloads
What Is The Cost?
Quiet firing can be costly for your business. Employees will leave when they believe their career growth is stunted. Quiet quitting and quiet firing often go together. When employers and employees are not in sync, neither party receives any benefit.
Support From GMS
When an employee disengages, knowing the proper steps to follow can be challenging. GMS simplifies the process. As quiet quitting has gained traction, employers may face major consequences, including losing quality talent if not handled properly. Our HR specialists are there to step in when you need them the most. They can create policies to manage problems and protect your business. Contact us today!