A recent report by Genius Consultants, a staffing solutions and HR services provider, has highlighted a concerning trend in the corporate world: the rise of “silent firing.”
This strategy, where companies indirectly push employees to leave their roles without formal layoffs, has become increasingly common as technological advancements accelerate.
Silent Firing: Impact of Technology on Employment
The report, based on a survey of 1,223 employers and 1,069 employees, reveals that 10% of employers now prefer layoffs for redundant positions due to technological changes.
This trend is often intertwined with the rapid adoption of advanced technologies, which has led to a shift in the workplace landscape.
While 79% of employers prioritize upskilling their current workforce to adapt to these changes, a significant portion still resort to silent firing as a means to manage their workforce.
Employers have adopted various strategies to navigate the evolving workplace dynamics.
According to the report, 6% of employers assign excessive workloads to underperforming employees as a subtle means of attrition.
This approach, along with silent firing, has created a challenging environment for employees who feel sidelined or excluded from critical projects and decision-making processes.
Employee Perspectives and Future of Workforce Management
From the employees’ perspective, the rise of silent firing and the implementation of advanced technologies have profoundly impacted their workplace experiences.
55% of respondents confirmed that they have faced sudden sidelining, exclusion, or isolation from critical projects.
Additionally, 68% of employees reported experiencing undue pressure from management, often citing AI and technology as benchmarks for performance.
The report also highlights the contrasting strategies organizations are considering as they navigate the balance between innovation and human capital.
While 39% of employers anticipate complete reliance on advanced technologies to minimize manual intervention within the next five years, 31% emphasize the importance of balancing technological growth with human resource development.
Nearly half of the respondents (48%) opposed replacing human employees with AI, emphasizing the importance of a human-centric approach to workforce management.
Silent Firing on Rise: Summing Up
Despite advancements, 52% of employers believe that manual intervention remains indispensable, underscoring the enduring importance of human contributions in the workplace.
Silent firing remains contentious, with 34% rejecting it entirely, while 28% use it frequently and 29% occasionally, citing improved efficiency and professional growth opportunities as justifications.
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