If you are being pushed out at work, you may feel side lined, isolated and upset, you are not alone. Sadly, many people experience this kind of treatment without being formally dismissed. Your employer may be trying to push you out for a variety of reasons, perhaps because they don’t have grounds to commence any formal action against. This article is for anyone who feels like they’re being nudged out of their job but isn’t sure what to do about it. We will help you understand the situation and what you can do about it.
Signs You’re Being Pushed Out At Work
Here are some common signs:
- Your responsibilities have been reduced or removed.
- You’re being excluded from meetings or communications.
- You’re suddenly being “performance managed” without clear reasons.
- You’re being micromanaged or unfairly criticised.
- You feel isolated or undermined by colleagues or managers.
- You’ve been moved to a different role without consultation.
- You’re subjected to a disciplinary for something minor.
- You are given an ultimatum with unattractive options.
This kind of treatment might be subtle, but the impact is real — on your confidence, your mental health, and your career.
Why Employers Do This
Sometimes employers want to avoid going through a formal redundancy or dismissal process. Instead, they make your working life so uncomfortable that you feel you have no choice but to leave. If your employer wants you to leave, it is often easier for them if you resign. Where this treatment may amount to constructive unfair dismissal (if you have been employed for at least 2-years), you resigning is still better for your employer than having to commence a formal process with the aim of dismissing you. This is part of the reason why we seldom recommend you resign when being pushed out at work.
This is sometimes called constructive dismissal — and it can give rise to a legal claim.
What Are Your Options
When you are being pushed out at work, it is very upsetting, but there are frequently ways to make the best of a bad situation.
If you simply resign (not what we recommend) then you (1) become unemployed without an income and (2) miss the opportunity to negotiate an exit.
If done properly, you can negotiate an exit where:
- You agree to leave, but only in exchange for tax-free compensation, a reference, your reputation intact – this is what we aim for with our exit with compensation package.
- You can start looking for a new job with a financial cushion and a reference guaranteed.
- You are now in a good position to achieve leaving a job you did not like so you can secure something better.
In many cases, it’s possible to negotiate a financial settlement without resigning and avoiding being dismissed. That’s where legal advice is crucial.
Do Not Resign Without Advice
This is key. Resigning may feel like the only option, but it will weaken your bargaining position and potentially your legal position if not done carefully. Taking advice quickly and before you make any big moves such as resigning or raising a grievance can prove crucial.
Seeking help early ensures you:
- Preserve your rights.
- Understand what claims you may have.
- Maximise any exit package you could be entitled to.
If you do not want to leave the business, advice may help get things back on track at work.
Being Pushed Out At Work – How We Can Help
At Toner Legal, we specialise in helping people negotiate exits from their employment. We’ll:
- Assess your situation.
- Explain your position and help you make a plan going forward.
- Handle communications with your employer if needed.
- Negotiate the best possible terms so you can move on with confidence.
Final Thought
Being pushed out at work is upsetting, but you are not powerless. With the right support, you can take back control and move forward on your own terms.
If you’re feeling the pressure and think your employer is trying to force you out, get in touch for a confidential chat. It costs nothing to find out if we can help you.