If you are in the workforce, you have probably seen someone get fired or you have been fired from your job. Whether you have experienced it firsthand or not, we all know that getting fired is stressful and humiliating. No one wishes to get fired and people work hard to avoid it. However, in the current environment, it seems like employees are sitting ducks. Due to economic hardships, many companies have been forced to let go of huge chunks of their workforce to stay afloat. Though mass layoffs are unavoidable, there are a number of other reasons that employees get fired that you can avoid. Here are some.
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Stealing company equipment
This goes without saying yet some employees still think that it’s no big deal or that they won’t get caught. Companies take stealing anything, from laptops to teabags, as a serious offence and any employee caught doing it is likely to get fired. This is because if someone is capable of stealing even the smallest things, they are capable of stealing something big or defrauding the company if the opportunity presents itself.
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Harassing a colleague
Most employers strive to create a healthy work environment for their employees as this boosts their productivity. Therefore, they have a zero-tolerance policy on bullying and harassment in the workplace. Any conduct that is deemed as mean, dehumanizing or sexual such as making fun of someone’s outfits or touching them inappropriately, can land you in hot water. So, be respectful and mind your business in the office. 7 Reasons Why You Should Befriend Your Coworkers
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Talking bad about your boss or company on social media
When you have a problem with your employer or supervisor, it’s hard to know what to do and it’s tempting to talk badly about them on social media since it might be the only outlet you have to let out your feelings without getting in trouble. However, employers are aware that people use social media to express their true feelings about their workplace and have started monitoring their employees’ social media posts. Negative social media posts about your boss or the company can make you get fired. Instead of posting on social media, talk to your boss directly about how you feel. How To Deal With Annoying Coworkers
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Constant lateness or absenteeism
It’s understandable to take a couple of days off unexpectedly since emergencies happen. It’s also acceptable to be late to work a few times. However, when you’re constantly absent from work or arriving late, your supervisor will take note of it and it won’t reflect well on your record. Absenteeism and lateness cost the company a lot of money since it decreases the employee’s productivity. It’s hard to determine whether an employee has legitimate reasons for missing work or coming in late so employers put in harsh measures such as getting fired to avoid unexcused absenteeism or lateness.
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Sharing confidential information
Confidential information is any information that needs to be restricted to authorized people only. During your career or depending on your position, you may be given access to a company’s confidential information. If this is the case, you are required to have utmost discretion when handling such information or else you might get fired. The only people you should share confidential information with are those who have a reason to know.
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Personality issues
Just because you’re not the life of the party doesn’t mean that you will get fired. However, if you struggle to get along with your colleagues, you may lose your job. Most jobs require collaboration hence many companies prioritize certain soft skills such as communication, conflict resolution and teamwork. If you can’t work with others, then your value in the company diminishes and your employer may have no choice but to ask you to leave.
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Being drunk at work
It’s unfortunate how common it has become to drink alcohol while at work. The workplace can be a highly stressful environment and we all have different ways of dealing with stress. For some, drinking alcohol is their way of coping with stress. However, this is strictly prohibited and goes against company policy. Drinking alcohol can impair your judgment and interfere with your job performance. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s best to ask for time off to relax rather than drink alcohol at work. How To Deal With Pressure At The Workplace
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