Sings of being Terminated
Whether you are working for a large or small corporation, it doesn't really matter, because there will be office policies and office politics. A person can be fired for one of two reasons, the first is that you aren't doing your job within your company/bosses expectations, the second, believe it or not is because well, they just don't like you.
Try to think of the second example like the dating term "he's just not that into you." The same concept applies in the work environment. The signs, if you are intuitive, not paranoid, are easy to pick up on. Of course there are so many reasons to get fired. As a human resource specialist, I will give you ten reasons/signs that you are about to get fired, and what you can do to save your employment.
The first is that your work is being questioned. When your work is being questioned it generally means that there is doubt or no substance in your performance. Documentation is a great way to prove your work, save your face and save your employment.
The second is that you are always eating lunch alone. This is a good sign that your co-workers do not feel comfortable around you. Working in an environment when your co-workers do not feel comfortable around you can cause personality conflicts, gossip and rumors. Neither of those situations are good and can lead to termination if the conflicts, gossip or rumors get out of hand. This one is an HR nightmare, but not uncommon in the workplace. The best thing to do in this situation is organize a pitch-in, bring in donuts or a special treat for your co-workers. Yes, it sounds childish, but by reaching out you are letting your boss and your co-workers know that you are trying. Any problems that you have after this point, keep documentation to save yourself and your job. If you are joining in on the rumors and the gossip, stop!
Number three is that you are left out of company meetings. If you are asked to "answer" phones, but the janitor is invited to the meeting, there is a good chance that your boss does not trust you with the meeting information or does not feel that you are responsible enough to take the meeting seriously. Try dressing more professional. If you laugh a lot while you are working, cut down on the joke time and concentrate more on your position. After the meeting ask your boss nicely if there is anything that you can do that would help you earn his respect.
Number four is that your boss is watching your attendance, including arrival and departure time. This one can go either way. You are either coming in early and clocking out late, costing your company over time money, but your production/turn around time has the same out come. Your boss could be watching what you do after you clock in. Do you sit down right away and work or are you in the break room making coffee and chit-chatting. Start coming in on time and leaving on time. Cut down on your break times. Increase your production and of course document the work and the time. Documentation will save you every time. This could also mean that you are clocking in late and leaving early. If you are not putting in your full time, you could be terminated. And if you think your boss is not watching you, someone in your office is and they are more than happy to "rat" you out.
Number five is along the same lines as number four. Your boss is having IS (information systems) review your computer. Your boss has a reason to believe that you are not using company time/company equipment wisely. Either someone has tipped him off or your boss has caught you "surfing the net." If you are on the net for research, for a current project, document this. If you are just playing on company time the only thing that you can do is ask for a second chance and to show your commitment to staying off the internet, request that the option be removed from your computer.
Number six is that you have been passed over for a promotion, more than once. Your boss must feel that you are not working up to the potential that he or the company is looking for. Although you can not get "fired", your boss can be over looking you on promotions in hopes that you will quit. If you really enjoy your job, kick it up a notch or two. Take classes, dress professional, ask for extra projects and document everything that you are doing.
Number seven your boss has stopped your expense account. This could mean that you have over extended your purchases, you did not follow company policy on how to use your expense account or the company is in financial trouble. Your best bet here is to save all your receipts, do not charge alcohol or gas for a family trip to your expense account. Even if you used a quarter of the tank for business there is three fourths of that expensed to your company. Be smart and only turn in what you used. I once had a physician who was allowed a book expense, (medical books only), try to slip through cookbooks and books for his/her children. Ask your boss why your expense account has been frozen. If the company is having financial problems, ask what you can do to help, and then start looking for another job. Remember these signs are to protect your employment.
Number eight you are looking for a position and you see a position like yours posted on the internet. Yes, this has happened. Not a smart move on the bosses part, but a pretty good heads up that your boss will be firing you. The best advice I can give you is to ask your boss. Sometimes, it just means a job sharing position, and other times it means that you are not performing.
Number nine you are being moved from an office to a cubicle. First make sure that it is not for space issues, for example a new executive coming in and there is no extra office space. If that is not the reason, then your boss feels that behind closed doors you are not producing. Start producing. Show your boss that you can perform and that you are trust worthy. Of course it is going to take a long time to get that office back.
Number ten security has shown up at your desk/office with a box. If this happens to you, then you have done something very wrong and there is no advice I can give to save you. The only thing that you can do is try to work out something with your boss so that you can use your time at that company on your resume. It is standard in most states that a company can only say whether or not you are eligible for re-hire. A simple yes or no. Try to see if you boss will at least say yes, if you leave quietly. If you haven't done anything wrong and this happens, take any documentation you have with you. Email files that prove you were a good employee to your home email address.
Never give your boss your password to your phone or your computer. Keep great documentation and try super hard to keep your nose clean. Of course, there is always a boss that is the bully, has a power trip or is just not a very good manager. Documentation will save you every time.
There are steps that a company must take before letting someone go. Please make sure you read your company and department policies and handbook. Having a verbal warning, written warning or corrective action are all red flags that you are on the way out of your position.
Utilize your employee relations or human resources representative to guide you in the right direction for a successful journey with your employer.
