Companies like GM are implementing a strategy to subtly lay off employees, creating a difficult work environment for the worker to decide to leave the company on their own. This tactic can include everything from reducing responsibilities to assigning irrelevant tasks that do not match the employee's experience. While at first glance it may seem like a discreet way to reduce the workforce without resorting to direct layoffs, in the long run it can cause stress, anxiety, and demotivation in workers, affecting their performance and well-being.
Detecting this 'silent dismissal' is not always easy, as there is no explicit communication from the company indicating the intention to dismiss the employee. It is important for both companies and workers to be informed about this issue in order to identify and address it appropriately. This approach, which aims for workers to resign voluntarily, can have negative consequences such as a deterioration in the work environment, high staff turnover, and even legal claims.
In the Spanish labor market, silent dismissal is becoming more frequent. It is common for employees undergoing dismissal to be excluded from meetings, important projects, or team dynamics, reinforcing their feeling of isolation within the company. Some warning signs include abrupt changes in relationships with superiors, elimination of previously offered incentives, or subtle yet constant psychological pressure. It is crucial to be aware of these signs to protect workers' labor rights and dignity.
