
Quiet Firing in Pune: A growing concern for IT professionals – puneripages.in
By Prashant for PuneriPages.in
This one hits hard—especially if you’re part of Pune’s massive IT workforce. When I first read that a senior employee was allegedly pressured into resigning by a prominent IT firm in our city, it felt uncomfortably familiar. We’ve all heard the whispers. But this time, it’s out in the open—and it’s serious.
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What Happened: The Allegation That Started It All
According to the Forum for IT Employees (FITE), a long-serving employee was subtly but consistently pushed toward the exit door. Not with a termination letter—but with isolation, performance reviews that didn’t add up, and a so-called “improvement plan” that seemed impossible to meet.
Let’s call this what it is: a quiet firing. No pink slip. Just a pattern of treatment designed to make the employee give up.
FITE isn’t staying silent. They’ve taken the matter to the Labor Commissioner, calling out what they say is a dangerous trend: companies offloading employees without formally firing them—dodging severance, avoiding PR messes, and leaving careers in limbo.
What is “Quiet Firing” (and Could It Be Happening to You)?
I did some digging. Here’s what it really looks like:
Quiet Firing, or Constructive Dismissal, is when an employee isn’t officially fired—but is made so uncomfortable or unsupported that they eventually resign out of sheer exhaustion or frustration.
Red Flags to Watch Out For:
- You’re suddenly excluded from meetings or key projects.
- Unrealistic targets or performance improvement plans appear out of nowhere.
- Praise turns into criticism without warning.
- Resources you used to have are suddenly “not available.”
- You feel isolated. Like you’re no longer part of the team.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. And you’re not imagining it.
A Senior Employee Speaks (Anonymously)
Sources close to the affected employee shared that this didn’t happen overnight. It started months ago, quietly. First came the reassignment. Then the tone of conversations changed. The final straw was being put on a PIP (Performance Improvement Plan) that felt more like a trap than a path to recovery.
“After years of giving everything to the company, I felt like I was being erased,” the source quoted the employee.
It’s heartbreaking. Not just for them, but for anyone who’s ever felt unseen, unheard, or dispensable.
What You Can Do: A Step-by-Step Survival Guide
If this is hitting too close to home, take a deep breath—and take action. Here’s what FITE and employment experts recommend:
- Don’t Resign Immediately: This is tough, but resigning early can kill your legal leverage.
- Document Everything: Every email. Every call. Every “coincidental” reassignment.
- Respond Smartly: If you get negative feedback, reply—professionally and in writing. Stick to facts.
- Reach Out to Forums/Unions: FITE is one, but there are others too. Talking helps.
- Consult a Lawyer: Know your rights. Labor laws exist for a reason.
Why This Matters—To All of Us
This isn’t just one employee’s fight. It’s a wake-up call for Pune’s entire IT ecosystem. As layoffs become quieter and tactics become slicker, awareness is our first line of defense.
I spoke with a FITE representative who told me, “We’ve seen a rise in such cases post-pandemic. It’s a cost-saving move by some firms—but at the cost of human dignity.”
They’ve urged authorities to investigate and set clearer boundaries around employee treatment. Meanwhile, they’re also offering legal support and emotional counseling to anyone affected.
Final Thoughts: It’s Time We Talk About This
If you’re reading this and thinking, “This could be me someday,” you’re not being paranoid. You’re being proactive.
Let’s break the silence around quiet firing. Let’s call out unfair practices. Let’s build a work culture in Pune that’s not just driven by deadlines—but by decency.
And if you’ve faced something similar—drop me a message. Let’s share stories. Let’s make noise.
Because no one deserves to be erased from their workplace in silence.
—Written by someone who’s worked, worried, and wondered in this city—just like you.
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