Warning Signs May Indicate a Potential Firing

With the recent economic downturn, many Americans fear their jobs are at risk.    Economic troubles force companies to reduce their workforce and mergers (with accompanying layoffs) are likely.  These external factors give employees reason to be concerned.  But employees should also be aware of internal signs of trouble; while companies frequently discharge employees for committing major mistakes or ethical violations, less severe conduct may also lead to discharge.  Thus, less-obvious signs may indicate trouble. 

Warning signs include an employee’s: (1) exclusion from meetings or e-mail communications and a general feeling of being “out of the loop”; (2) poor performance review; (3) reduction in responsibilities or in the number of direct reports; (4) pay cut or pay freeze; (5) difficulty in getting choice assignments or approval for projects; (6) receipt of “grunt work” and/or seemingly impossible, unreasonable assignments; and (7) disagreements with superiors and peers.   

Recognizing these warning signs enables an employee to act prior to being fired—by resolving issues with the employer or by finding new employment.  If an employee believes his job is in jeopardy and wishes to leave the company gracefully, an employment lawyer may be able to negotiate an exit strategy.  To discuss this issue with an employment lawyer, please contact the lawyers at Clouse Dunn Khoshbin LLP at info@cdklawyers.com.