Your boss doesn’t have to hand you a pink slip for you to be fired. There are many many sneaky ways companies can get you out without actually firing you, which often saves them from paying you unemployment benefits (except in some states) and saves them from having to ever give you a positive reference. Often enabling them to give you a very negative reference – thereby ruining your future career.

So what are the warning signs and is there anything you can do?  Read more below:

Managing Out

One of the new favorite ways to get people to quit is to Manage the Employee Out.  This entails making the employee’s work life so tedious and difficult that they leave on their own. If a company can get their undesirable employee to quit, they save thousands and potentially millions from a potential liability if they were to fire the employee. Most employees never even notice that this is happening. But, the signs are always there.

• Are you feeling ignored? Overworked? Underpaid? Or are you being given tasks that are impossible or nearly impossible to complete successfully?
• Is your boss being obvious about their dislike for you? Ignoring you? Not paying attention to you? Talking behind your back?
• Have you been moved to an undesirable location? A small office out of the way? Segregated from other employees?
• Are you given the assignments other employees don’t want or that are considered potential problems?
• Are you being given impossible tasks with unrealistic deadlines?
• Have you been surprised with a negative performance review – despite good work? Same goes for meetings that are constantly negative.
• Has your work asked you to create a manual for how to do your job? Or have they brought in someone to help you do your job and you’re training them?
• Is your company moving you from one department to another so you never get a chance to complete any projects?

This may seem far fetched, but it’s all too common.

A key component of this type of managing out is to take that time to document the employee’s bad performance. Even if a task was impossible, you’ll be held accountable and your record will state that you couldn’t do your job – a fireable offense.

At Will States

But what about at-will states like Missouri? A company will generate this type of documentation to ensure that they have a valid reason to terminate your employment if you don’t quit.  They may be able to fire you but then you can sue.  So they’ll make sure they have evidence against you.

Protecting Yourself

Take notes, copious notes. Document everything you’re told to do, everything you agree to, everything said about you, keep all of your e-mails, send full recall e-mails about every conversation to put it on the record. If you take notes, include dates, times, and anyone who was around at the time.

And in some states, depending on recording laws, you are legally allowed to record any conversation (in person or over the phone). Check your local laws. In some states you have to notify the other party before recording.

Performance Improvement

Another key indicator is if you are written up or put through “performance improvement” steps. If your boss has done this to you and has notified HR – it’s over. Employees rarely survive this gauntlet, and even if they do they don’t succeed at that company.

Find a job while you still have one – especially since most companies aren’t hiring the unemployed.

Lay Offs

Layoffs aren’t actually layoffs, they’re just a way to clean house. They’re also called reorganizations, reductions in force, downsizing, resizing, or reengineering. While most companies want you to believe they are laying people off under duress, that’s not the case.

Every company keeps a form of ‘layoff list’. A list of people that should be let go at the earliest possible time using the most effective means.

Conversely, there is a ‘favorites’ list. People to never let go. Get on that list and you’re golden.

How do you know which list you’re on? Well, if you were a favorite you’d know. If you don’t know, here are a few warning signs:

• You’re paid more than others who do the same thing.
• You and your boss don’t get along (your boss is the one who says whether you stay or go).
• You’ve stated negative opinions about your company.
• Whatever supports your particular job (a client, an account, etc.) is dwindling.
• Your main project was canceled or moved to someone or somewhere else.
• You’ve had medical, disability, or workers’ comp on your record from the past 12 months.
• Or you’ve logged any sort of complaint against the company or any of its employees – especially your boss or their boss.

A lot of that is rather retaliatory no? Indeed it is. Your company will do whatever is necessary to save face and get you out.

Am I In Jeopardy?

No one will tell you if you are so assume you are.

HR, managers, and executives have been taught to let their employees hang themselves. That could be something simple like accidentally embarrassing your boss.  Did they forget to tell you to do something and you called them on it?  They’ll take it personally and use it against you.  Sure they shouldn’t take things personally, but they will – and they will fire you for it.

Wouldn’t it be better if employers told you what you did wrong as you did it rather than saved it up for an annual review? Sure, that would make the most sense, but if they want you out – they’re saving it up as evidence against you.

What about Work / Life Balance?

No matter how much a company talks about its work / life balance you’ll still be expected to work whatever hours are necessary, work overtime, and put the company’s needs first — at all costs.  Including your personal life and your health.

What about a Vacation?

Thinking about taking a two week vacation? Use that time to look for another job.  Never take two weeks.  Even one week is pushing it.

What about Medical Leave?

Thinking about taking time off for a medical procedure? Better schedule it to coincide with a holiday.

But what About FMLA you ask? Did you know that if you work from home, are separate from a main office with more than 50 employees, you are not eligible for FMLA? And you wonder why companies are agreeing to let all these people work from home. Oh, and if you go even a minute beyond the approved 12 weeks, you’re out. You’re out even if you don’t, but still.

Think about what’s important to your employer – your vacations are not. Their bottom line is. And if you aren’t willing or able to do the work when it’s requested, they’ll say you can’t do your job and they’ll find someone else.

But I’m Super Talented, They Can’t Let Me Go!

Your talent is meaningless.

The company will take someone who is positive about the company over someone who can do the job any day. The person who’s positive can be taught to do the job over time. The person with skills can become disenchanted and can bring the company down quickly.

I’ll Sue!

Thinking about filing a sexual harassment, discrimination, general harassment, or bullying grievance against the company? Think again. Even though companies aren’t supposed to fire you in retaliation for those situations, they can – and will – the first chance they get.

If you encounter any of those situations try to handle it privately – and document, document, document. If your attempt to handle it privately isn’t successful, then talk to an attorney. But don’t quit until you talk to an attorney. Most cases aren’t viable. An attorney will be able to advise you.

Know that the second you mention a lawsuit or attorney to anyone inside the company (even friends) they will go to your boss and/or HR and you will be on the fast track out.

Putting yourself and your personal interests before the company will mark you as a traitor, someone who isn’t to be trusted, and someone who shouldn’t be given the time of day.

So How Do You Succeed?

Your job is never safe. Ever. Even if you’re on that favorite list, all it takes is one screw up and you’re gone.  You need to reread the signs above and take action immediately if you notice any of them.  Here’s what to do to succeed:

• Don’t rely on the legal system. It will not help you unless you have proof of sexual harassment or discrimination. And by proof you better have photos, recordings, video. Something concrete. Your word against theirs will not help you. And they have a lot more money for attorneys than you do.
• Think about the company you work for as your company. What would you do? What would you not do?
• Think about the company and their ideal employee – be it.
• Align yourself with what the company really wants, not what it says it wants.
• If it’s too late and you’ve been ‘let go’, figure out why. Be honest. It may hurt.

And above all else, don’t do any of the following – and if you are – stop:

• Do not talk to HR. Their only goal is to protect the company from its employees. Talk to them and you’re talking to your boss, your boss’ boss, your coworkers, etc.
• You think your conversation is confidential? Not a chance. Anything you say or do is subject to be repeated to anyone and everyone.
• Never make a sexual harassment claim (unless you’re already out). Even if it’s true and you have evidence, you’ll be blackballed.
• Never go to HR to resolve anything. Don’t like your boss? HR will make sure you aren’t there to deal with them.
• Don’t file a Worker’s Comp claim or file any injury claim against the company. See sexual harassment above.
• Never complain to HR - they will tell your boss. Even if you’ve tried to talk with your boss about it, how it comes from HR will be much more negative.
• No claims are protected. Nothing you say is confidential. If you aren’t willing to announce it over the PA, don’t say it to HR or anyone else at the company.
• Age discrimination, while not illegal for younger people, is still around. You could have a decade of experience and be the perfect person for the job – but if you’re 34, you’ll be ignored and laughed out. And if you’re 50+, you’ll be passed over. A dog can’t learn new tricks according to most companies.
• Do you think you’re doing your work absolutely perfectly? Nope. Not if you’re doing it to your standards. Art is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Your work is only as good as the recipient says it is.
• If you make any suggestions – you are guaranteed to be on the blackball list. No one wants to hear what they should improve – and if you have enough balls to speak up, you better have another job lined up.
• Don’t be unhealthy. Don’t be overweight. Don’t complain about something that hurts. Don’t take time off. Tell only what’s necessary. Remember, your health is not important to the company – no matter what they say. Your health is a hindrance if it isn’t perfect. Don’t take sick days.
• Make sure you’re trained in all the latest methods. If you falter even a little, you can be put out for not keeping up.
• Dress for success – but be careful not to out dress your boss. Ironic isn’t it? Most companies have casual Fridays or casual summers, but if you partake – you will be seen as less serious about your job. Stay up to date and stay professional. No one can fault you for wearing a suit and tie every day.
• Never – ever – speak your mind. You may not like how things are done but shut up and keep your head down and do your work. Corporations are dictatorships. You say something they don’t like – they’ll kick you out.
• No company will tell you not to say something or that you can’t. That’s a violation of your right to free speech. But they will ‘suggest’ you rethink what you said.
• If you say anything negative – even one thing – your skills, your talent, all the praise you’ve received is completely nullified.
• Never mention anything about what you think should be done. Don’t volunteer information. Even if you see something serious happening – keep your mouth shut. And if your boss says no – drop it. Show respect, keep your head down, mouth shut, and if you make any suggestions give your boss the credit.
• Never gossip. And if you see gossips, walk the other way. If you’re hanging around with them then you’re one too. And if people start to avoid talking with you or you’re separate from your coworkers – you’re on your way out.
• Know that your e-mails are never private. Anything and everything you type into an e-mail or on an instant message system or talk about on the phone – it’s all being recorded and it’s all company property.
• Don’t browse online either. Anything you do on their computer is their business.
• Don’t befriend your coworkers. You’re there to work, not make friends. And those “friends” will throw you under the bus the first chance they get.
• Be a loner. If you have no alliances, you’re not at risk of being ‘one of them’. However, this could also work against you. If you’re considered to be a ‘lone wolf’ (despite the fact that most successful people are) you could be determined to be not a ‘team player’, regardless of your actions. Once branded, it’s permanent.
• Never talk about anything personal at work. NOTHING. Especially medical information.
  • If you do have something serious coming up, tell your boss only. They’ll very gladly spread the news to your coworkers and HR. Regardless of the fact that it’s illegal to do so.
• If you try to come to your own defense, you’ve already lost your job. No matter what your boss or coworkers say – don’t talk back and don’t defend yourself. Take notes. Document. And listen.
• Keep your desk clean and don’t personalize your office space.

The Gatekeeper

If you piss off your boss, you’re screwed. Your boss, manager, superior whatever you want to call them. They call all the shots. They’ll hold back promotions, raises, performance reviews, desirable work, new offices, they will make your life absolute hell if they don’t like you.

Remember, if your boss doesn’t like you they will make sure everyone knows by putting it in your personnel file, they’ll make sure companies who are interviewing you know, they will share their very negative opinion with coworkers, executives, clients, anyone and everyone. They can and will make your life hell and will retaliate if you ever make them look bad.

So how do you fix a damaged relationship with your boss? You can’t. If your boss doesn’t like you, nothing you do will ever be right. They will micromanage you, reduce any perks you had, they will give you impossible tasks, they will hold ambush meetings to catch you off guard, they will do anything and everything to give you the rope to hang yourself with.

The one positive thing? After having a horrendous boss you’ll know what not to do as a boss.

Raises and Promotions

So what about raises and promotions? If you’re not being considered for one – tough luck. You can ask for a raise but you can’t ask for a promotion. And if you ask for a raise – it’s not about you, it’s about how that extra money will help the company. The second you ask to be promoted – you’re on the path to never being promoted.

It doesn’t matter what you’re doing. What matters is what your boss thinks you’re doing. And if your boss doesn’t know or doesn’t understand what you’re doing – you’ll be a thorn in their side and they’ll do anything to get you out.

Conclusion

Unless you are ‘teacher’s pet’ or invisible, you’re in the firing line.  And if you’ve done any of the negatives above – well, you’re already on your way out.  They just won’t tell you as much.

Disclaimer

Because this is such a litigious and social-media averse society, and because anything and everything you write online is public, please know this isn’t an entry about anyone or any business in particular.  Every company practices the above.  Don’t believe me?  Go find a former HR employee and ask them.