Silent Firing: How Companies Are Pushing Employees Out for AI

When the term “quiet quitting” exploded onto the scene in 2022, it felt like a wake-up call for companies to start taking better care of their employees. Finally, the narrative was shifting – workers were prioritizing work-life balance and refusing to go above and beyond their job descriptions. Or so it seemed.

Fast forward to today, and it appears companies have found a new way to pressure employees without formally letting them go – a concept known as “silent firing.” And based on my research, this troubling trend could have major implications for your career.

The premise behind silent firing is simple. Rather than outright terminate underperforming or costly employees, companies are making their jobs increasingly frustrating and difficult in the hopes that those workers will quit on their own. This allows the company to avoid severance payouts or the public relations nightmare of mass layoffs.

A recent article in Fast Company…

highlighted silent firing.

They cited Amazon as one such company embracing this tactic. When the tech giant forced corporate employees to return to the office five days a week, 90% reported being unhappy with the decision and 73% said they were considering quitting. Coincidence? I think not.

The driving force behind silent firing seems to be a push toward automation and AI. Companies are funneling big investments into technologies that can replace human workers, viewing this as a fast track to higher profitability. And in the process, they’re making life harder for the very people whose jobs could soon be obsolete.

So, what’s an employee to do?

Unfortunately, there’s no simple solution. Quitting may feel tempting in the moment, but with a potential recession looming, the job market is increasingly uncertain. On the flip side, simply grinding through the frustration and waiting it out is a risky gamble.

In my opinion, the smartest move is to be proactive. Take stock of your skills and determine how threatened your role may be by automation. If the writing is on the wall, start exploring options outside your current industry – your tech expertise could be valuable in all kinds of unexpected places. And don’t be afraid to invest in your own training, whether that’s learning new software, gaining industry certifications, or developing complementary skills.

Want to learn more about navigating the rise of silent firing? Check out my latest video, where I dive deeper into this trend and share strategies for protecting your career. Click here to watch Silent Firing: How Companies Are Pushing Employees Out for AI

The path forward may not be easy, but by staying informed and adaptable, you can take control of your professional future – even when your employer seems intent on taking it away.