If you have participated in whistleblowing in the workplace, you may be afraid that your employer may retaliate against you. While the law protects against retaliation for whistleblowing, employers may seek to subtly get back at you by engaging in a process known as “quiet firing.”
Quiet firing is when an employer makes deliberate efforts to push a working out of the company without overtly terminating their employment.
What you should watch out for
If you start noticing the following trends, it could be indicative of “quiet firing” by your employer:
- Extreme criticism: When your employer consistently criticizes your work performance in an exaggerated or disproportionate manner, often without providing constructive feedback or opportunities for improvement, it may be a tactic to undermine your confidence and motivation.
- Exclusion from important projects: If you find yourself increasingly excluded from key projects, initiatives or decision-making processes within the company, despite your qualifications and past involvement, you’re being sidelined from opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the organization. Deliberate exclusion can isolate you and ultimately make you feel disconnected from the team and undervalued in your role.
- Promotion passes: Another sign that your employer might be quietly firing you is if you consistently get passed over for promotions or advancement opportunities that you are qualified for. Despite your efforts, achievements and meeting or exceeding performance expectations, you may notice a pattern of others being promoted or given opportunities for career growth while you are overlooked.
- Decreased responsibilities: A gradual reduction in your job responsibilities or a shift to less challenging or meaningful tasks may also indicate that your employer is quietly attempting to phase you out. By stripping away significant duties or assigning you menial tasks below your skill level, your employer diminishes your sense of purpose and contribution to the organization making it easier for them to justify your eventual departure.
If you are facing retaliation for whistleblowing, consider seeking legal guidance to determine the best course of action to protect your rights. You don’t have to navigate this situation alone.