Stress and worry associated with losing a job or the potential of losing a job can be one of the most stress-inducing events. One of the best ways to relieve stress is to understand your rights better regarding employment. There are five reasons you can be fired from a job and a few situations where you can’t be fired from a job. Here is what you need to know.
1. Attendance Problems
If you are supposed to clock into your job every day by nine, but you are late consistently or call out frequently, those are grounds for dismissal. Tardiness (being late frequently) is a fireable offense. In most states, you will need a ‘write-up’ about being late; in some states, you will need to be ‘written up three times’ to be fired for tardiness.
Absenteeism can also get you fired. However, if you were injured at work and have opened a worker’s compensation claim, you also can’t be fired. According to FindLaw, under the Worker’s Compensation Act, you are entitled to certain benefits, as are your dependents, should death occur. Those benefits include weekly compensation if you are out of work for more than seven days, rehabilitation if needed, and other benefits.
2. Misconduct at Work
Most corporate entities provide employees with a handbook of conduct expectations. At the very least, you should have been briefed on conduct expectations during your company onboarding. If you violate the conduct policy, you can be fired.
According to Wakefield’s survey, about 73% of business owners with less than 500 employees use a printing device about four times daily. You review your print allotment because you use company printers to print your child’s party invitations. If your manager figures out you have been using the printer for personal use, which is strictly prohibited, you can be fired. Stick to the conduct rules and avoid stress and worry.
3. Breach of Trust
Many businesses are very protective of their data. Specifically, service providers in the medical and dental industry have strict rules about talking about patient information. If you breach the trust of your employer by sharing protected information, you will be fired. The same is true if you signed a non-disclosure agreement for any business you work for.
It is a fireable offense if you share information about how the business operates or other protected information. It may also land you in court. Think before you speak to reduce the stress of worrying about getting fired.
4. Theft
Did you know, according to the ASCE library, construction firms with over $100 million in revenue feel the pinch worse from theft than smaller firms, but smaller firms suffer more from vandalism? Theft in the workplace costs the economy billions of dollars a year, and it doesn’t have to be large-scale embezzlement. If every employee steals a pen, copy paper, and other small items, it can put a company out of business.
More places of employment than ever are outfitted with security cameras. Taking anything, even the most innocuous things, can get you fired. It is best to move with integrity and give yourself less stress and worry.
5. Downsizing, Restructuring, and Relocation
Unfortunately, you can’t control everything. If the company downsizes, restructures, or relocates, you may be out of a job. If you hear a rumor that may affect your job, ask your direct line supervisor if it is true It is best to know beforehand if the company is making changes that will affect your position.
Many of the reasons for being fired can be avoided You can always ask your supervisor if you are unsure if your job is in jeopardy You may not hear the answer you want, but just asking may allow you to correct whatever behavior it is that is putting your job in jeopardy.
The last thing you want to do is stress over being fired and not doing anything about it Being proactive is the way to reduce stress and potentially keep your job Learn more ways to avoid stress.