Why are employees fired?

Let me just start off by saying this: there isn’t one person in this world who, after being fired, sits there without a clue as to why.

Think about that for a moment. What image pops into your head when you think of the word, “fired”? It’s not one of a smiling boss, I’m sure. We’re not talking about lay-offs here. We’re not talking about a company going bankrupt, cutting its workforce, or terminating a branch. Don’t fall into the modern day PC terminology: there is a BIG difference between being fired and laid off. Getting canned, the plain old boot in the ass is never pleasant. But the odds are, you’ve brought it onto yourself.

So what is it that employees do to deserve a kick out the door? The truth of the matter is, most employers do not want to fire anyone. It takes a lot of time and effort to recruit, train, and retain an employee. So if you’ve already been recruited and trained, the job is yours to lose. The biggest force working against you is yourself, and your own perception of what a workplace should be.

For most of us who are stuck doing a service in exchange for a paycheck, the effort will often resemble our happiness. If you’re one of the lucky few who actually do what they love, then you most likely give your job 110% every day. You’re there bright and early and work hard to make sure that everything is done with perfection. But most people aren’t that lucky. Most of us wake up with the case of the Mondays. Every single workday. It reflects in our performance. And everyone sees it. Within time the situation will continue to get worse, unless of course, you learn to love what you do. Eventually, if you don’t quit, you’ll be replaced.

What reasons will force your employer to shove you out the door?

1. Professionalism – forget about the actual performance of your tasks. Appearances and impressions are everything. Do you show up to work late? Do you leave at the exact moment you’re allowed to? For how long do you leave to lunch? Are you well spoken and articulate?

   You are what you present yourself to be. Showing up to work on time, staying a few minutes late, taking a smaller lunch break, and behaving in a professional demeanor will all keep you employed even if you aren’t doing as good a job. Bosses love employees that appear to be making an effort. On the flip side, if you’re tardy, take long breaks, and leave at the strike of the hour, the perception of you will take a major dip and may be the deciding factor in your termination.

2. Organization – whether you’re an attorney or a janitor, you’ll have plenty of things to track and keep in order. Are you a sloppy or organized individual? How do you handle organizing large workloads? How is your presentation of your findings or results?

   There’s a lot to be said for a neat-looking workspace. Every superior will appreciate the respect you show to your workplace by keeping things organized, and easy to find. Besides, it’ll be easier to explain that report you haven’t finished if you can find it in a matter of seconds and claim it to be on your current “to-do” list. Being unorganized will put less weight on your efforts. It may make your job seem easier, or even worse, incomplete. In order to give yourself extra meaning, present the fruits of your labor to your superiors in a neat, organized, and easy-to-follow manner.

3. Performance – do you give it 100%? How about 90%? 75%?

   Not caring = no effort. Let’s level with each other. If you don’t own it, you already aren’t at 100%. Add in the fact that you’re not loving your job, and the dedication drops even further. Business owners are aware of this – they were employees too at some point.  But given the factors above, you can make 75% look like 100%, or have 90% drop to 50%. At what point will it cost you your job? Repeated requests that go ignored will be your number 1 culprit. Sure, you’re not a slave and don’t need to jump when the boss tells you to, but if you’re being asked to do something more than once, than chances are that it’s important. Psychologically, having to ask you more than once signals defiance to your superior. Instead, responding to the request, even if done incorrectly, will signal compliance and effort.