The 'quiet quitting' trend of employees doing less to improve their life balance took companies by storm after Covid - but now employers are hitting back with 'quiet firing'.

The Daily Mail Australia websites reports the latest fad sees employers 'demoralise' and drastically lower the workload of an unvalued employee with the 'hope' that they will resign.

The website reported Melbourne career expert Sue Ellson said quiet firing 'wasn't a new idea' but often occurred when the relationship between employer and employee has 'deteriorated' over time.

'Quiet firing is putting employers and enterprises at serious risk of being found out and being charged with unfair dismissal,' Ms Ellson told the website.

Here are Sue Ellson's eight signs you are being "quietly fired."

1. Being left out of important meetings, emails and social invitations.

2. Being moved into a lower level or less appealing role.

3. Delayed responses to calls, emails and requests.

4. General disengagement and preferential treatment towards others.

5. Lack of communication and feedback.

6. Forgotten details such as birthdays and special occasions.

7. Less general chit chat and sharing of information and updates.

8. Changed body language – less eye contact, shorter interactions.

Read the full story here.

Photo: Mateus Campos Felipe/Unsplash