What does it mean to be “managed out” of your job?

August 18, 2023

For at-will employees, when a manager wants you gone they will likely fire you or manage you out.

🛑 What does “managed out” mean? 🛑

Being “managed out” from a job refers to a situation in which an employer or company takes deliberate actions to encourage or facilitate an employee’s departure from the organization. This is typically done when the employer believes that the employee’s personality, performance, behavior, or fit within the company is not meeting expectations or aligning with the company’s goals. Sometimes it’s done with the manager wants to hire someone else to fill the employee’s spot.

Here’s how the process of being “managed out” might unfold:

🌟 Performance Issues: The manager may suddenly provide negative feedback and set expectations through verbal or written warnings or other write-ups.

🌟 Performance Improvement Plan (PIP): In some cases, the employer may put the employee on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), which is a formal process aimed at outlining specific performance expectations and a timeline for improvement. Failure to meet the requirements of the PIP can lead to further steps.
🔻 It’s a red flag when the PIP is vague or includes impossible milestones🔻

🌟 Mutual Agreement or Termination: If the employee’s performance does not improve or if there are other issues (such as behavioral or cultural mismatches), the employee and employer may come to a mutual agreement to part ways, or the employer might decide to terminate the employee’s employment.

It’s important to note that being “managed out” is not the same as being laid off or fired for cause. Laid off employees are typically let go due to factors beyond their control, such as company restructuring, financial difficulties, or changes in business priorities.

😐 Being “managed out” is a more deliberate and often gradual process focused on addressing performance or other issues. Being “managed out” is not necessarily illegal but can be in some situations.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are being “managed out,” it’s advisable to seek clarification from your HR department, speak with an attorney to understand your rights, and consider your options for improvement or transition to a new role or organization.

Pietrucha Law Firm, LLC talks to employees who are managed out of their jobs. Visit www.pietruchalaw.com for more information.