Top 10 signs you're about to be fired

If any of these signs sound familiar, it's best to not panic right away

BY HRD 14 Nov 2018

More than half (53.8%) of employees who have been fired admit they never saw it coming, a survey on workplace dismissal showed.

CV-Library, an independent job board in the UK, asked 1,100 workers the signs someone is about to get the boot. The survey found managers raising issues about an employee’s overall performance was the top indicator for 70% of respondents.

A similar number (68%) cited managers imposing a formal sanction on an employee as a sign of impending dismissal. Eight other indicators include:

Employees making a big mistake at work - 37.4%
Employees upsetting a manager or co-worker - 27.9%
Workload being reduced - 27.1%
Employees being avoided by managers - 23.7%
Employees hearing rumours from colleagues - 22.5%
Senior staff having lots of meetings - 22.0%
Shifts being reduced - 16.9%
Manager training up colleagues - 13.4%

“If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s best to not panic right away. Just because your colleagues are having extra training, or managers are having regular meetings, it doesn’t mean that you’re about to get fired,” said Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library.

“That said, a formal disciplinary or concerns being raised about your performance is a sure fire sign that you need to make a change. Take this seriously or you might risk losing your job.”

Remember the following, CV-Library suggested:

Think about your performance.
Be clear on your rights.
Set up a meeting with HR.
Prepare for the worst case scenario.

“If you’re concerned about your job, it’s best to speak with your manager or the HR department. They’ll be able to help you identify if there really is a problem and advise you on how to resolve it,” Biggins said.

“What’s more, if you feel you’ve been dismissed unfairly, remember that you have rights, so seek legal help where necessary.”