Is Your Boss "Quiet Firing"?
Is Your Boss "Quiet Firing"?
Labor Market Changes that Might Impact You
Welcome back to our newsletter! In a previous issue, we explored the concept of labor hoarding and its influence on the dynamic labor market. This time, we look into a fascinating yet concerning trend known as "Quiet Firing." As aspiring economists, understanding this subtle workforce management strategy is crucial, as it can have significant implications on productivity and the well-being of employees. This behavior might help explain the recent trend of high employment and low productivity.
What is "Quiet Firing"?
Quiet firing refers to a managerial practice where employees are intentionally pushed out of an organization through the absence of proper support, coaching, and career development. The consequence is that they leave "voluntarily," creating an intriguing puzzle for us to decipher.
Quiet firing describes how managers fail to adequately provide coaching, support and career development to an employee, which results in pushing the employee out of an organization.- Gallop Workplace
Why Do Companies Resort to Quiet Firing?
Amidst tight budgets and financial constraints, companies often face tough decisions regarding their workforce. Traditional layoffs, though an option, come with high costs and uncertainties. As a result, some companies have turned to the subtler approach of quiet firing. They create a work environment that discourages employees subtly, prompting them to leave on their own terms.
Signs of Quiet Firing - What to Watch Out For
As economics students with a keen eye for trends, recognizing the signs of quiet firing is essential. To help you navigate this territory, we've compiled some key indicators (more signs from HRB) :
1. Changes in Work Responsibilities: Employees may notice important job responsibilities being shifted to others, or they might experience a demotion with altered job descriptions. Promising opportunities could be withheld, and unrealistic performance targets might be set.
2. Compensation Changes: Watch out for sudden pay cuts, employees being prevented from earning more through extra work or overtime, and the absence of expected bonuses or raises.
3. Working Conditions Alterations: Changes in work hours or shifts without reasonable justification, unmanageable workloads, forced relocation, and the withdrawal of workplace perks (like an office or parking spot) are all potential red flags.
4. Supervisor Communication Shifts: Employees may feel undervalued and neglected when supervisors fail to discuss their career trajectory, provide performance feedback, or even cancel meetings regularly. Moreover, not receiving critical information about work and responsibilities or not being credited for their contributions can also be signs of quiet firing.
Why Should Economists Care About This Trend?
Understanding quiet firing is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it sheds light on the challenges faced by both employees and businesses in today's economic landscape. Secondly, as future economists, we need to be aware of workforce management strategies that can impact productivity and labor dynamics.
As you continue your economics journey, keep an eye out for this intriguing phenomenon. Recognizing the signs of quiet firing can equip you with valuable insights into the intricacies of the labor market and the choices businesses make to adapt to economic conditions.
Stay tuned for more exciting economics insights in our upcoming newsletters! Share this letter with your friends, and help them prepare for a changing labor market.
-Economics with Dr. A Team
Looking for Ways to Improve Employee Culture?
recently shared an important article for any leader. She provides you with four possible ways to communicate appreciation to your team. Choose one and try it out. 
Did you Miss a Video?
This week, I released an Eco101 video. If you are an economic educator looking to add videos to your classroom, feel free to use this one. You will be discussing markets, so leverage this video in your classroom.