June 27th, 2024

Bosses Are Using 'Silent Layoffs' and 'Quiet Firing,' Could Backfire

Employers use "silent layoffs" and "quiet firing" to discreetly downsize, risking trust and morale. Despite being illegal in the US, companies resort to these methods, emphasizing the need for transparent communication during workforce changes.

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Bosses Are Using 'Silent Layoffs' and 'Quiet Firing,' Could Backfire

Bosses are resorting to tactics like "silent layoffs" and "quiet firing" to manage workforce reductions discreetly, aiming to avoid negative attention. However, these methods risk damaging employee trust and can lead to public-relations issues and decreased morale within the company. Silent layoffs involve offering severance packages while requiring departing employees to keep the details confidential. On the other hand, quiet firing entails making a role less appealing to encourage employees to resign voluntarily. While these strategies may help companies avoid scrutiny initially, if discovered, they can result in broken trust and reputational damage. Despite silent layoffs being made illegal in the US, companies are still finding ways to subtly reduce their workforce, potentially leading to discontent and legal issues. Experts emphasize the importance of open communication and transparency in handling workforce changes to maintain trust and integrity within the organization.

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Link Icon 4 comments
By @musicale - 4 months
> Theoretically, by keeping layoffs relatively low profile, trust in the business — from stakeholders and existing employees — can be retained,

Theoretically, by lying convincingly and keeping deception secret, trust can be retained.

> But if the news is leaked, like in PwC's case, the trust is broken — both for current employees and the general public.

By @wkat4242 - 4 months
Jeez I wouldn't have expected that from a supposedly ethical company like PwC.

I'd take it though if the severance pay was good enough. And I'd even honour the silence thing. I'm kinda sick of the corporate world now.

By @rhelz - 4 months
I was a victim of this. Endless gaslighting. Impossible deliverables. A slow, grinding of the human spirit into dust.

Employers, sack up already. If you are going to fire someone, fire them.

By @mmaniac - 4 months