It’s never a good thing when you notice supervisors avoiding you, or your coworkers stop talking when you walk up. You know something is up. So what can you do when you think you’re about to be fired-both to prepare and maybe even help stop it from happening?
If you’re feeling uneasy, try to pinpoint why. Is it just anxiety or is there a concrete reason, like a missed deadline, being late to meetings, or an altercation with a coworker? Are you being retaliated against for something? Did you complain about your boss, a coworker or report harassment? If so, you need to start gathering information right away.
First, go through your work email and files and print out anything you feel is pertinent to the issue. Did you recently get a raise or promotion? Make a complaint? Find anything that helps show you’ve had a great track record or that you had a problem with someone that you were trying to resolve, or details about meetings gone wrong or any kind of harassment. While you’re going through your files, delete any personal information as well.
You’ll need to make copies of any work documents that you think relate to your case, since your access will be cut off as soon as you are terminated. You’ll also be asked to pack everything up and leave in a few minutes, so begin taking things home now, but do it discretely.
Brace yourself for the confrontation either with your supervisor or HR and prepare any questions you have for them. Be prepared to act professional and keep your composure. As soon as you leave, make notes about the meeting, what was said, and who was present.
If you think your termination was in retaliation for reporting safety issues, workplace violations or harassment, you need to act quickly to preserve the details of your case. If you have been the target of workplace harassment, discrimination or unfair termination, Bouchillon, Crossan & Colburn, L.C. represents clients in federal court and before the EEOC, MSPB and in state and union grievance hearings.
Our attorneys have more than 40 years dedicated to giving clients the attention, advice, support and empowerment they need to effectively meet their goals. We are committed to the principle that all persons shall have equal justice under the law. Call Bouchillon, Crossan & Colburn, L.C. at 304-523-8451 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.