Being an employee is a tricky balance. You need to be able to trust your coworkers, but you also all have separate responsibilities and can’t necessarily trust them to handle sensitive information or only work on certain tasks. In many cases, employees sign contracts with clauses that outline different policies and what can cause termination. But what if you’re not working under contract? What if you’re an independent contractor, not an employee? Even so, that doesn’t mean you won’t need some kind of document outlining things related to your job that would lead to termination.
If you work as a contractor for a company, there may be no clause in your contract about what could lead to termination. That doesn’t mean that the company can’t fire you for almost any reason; it just means you should have a document somewhere outlining the list of things that would result in dismissal from the company. Here are some general ideas of actions that could get you fired from almost any employer:
Theft or embezzlement
This one is pretty straightforward. If you’re stealing from the company you work for, that is grounds for immediate dismissal. The same goes for embezzlement. If you have access to funds or accounts that the company considers private or company funds, and you’re transferring those to your own accounts, you’re not going to keep that job for very long. There are some gray areas, though, with theft. Say you’re out with some coworkers and they decide they want to take a tab off of your tab. Technically, that’s theft, even though it was more like a playful prank than anything malicious. Or they ask you to chip in for drinks and forget to pay you back. Technically, that’s theft, too. And if you’re doing any of these things and are employed by the company, you can bet that is grounds for dismissal.
Being drunk at work
This one may seem like common sense, but not everyone who gets drunk forgets that it’s a no-no in the workplace. In fact, many employees are fired for this very reason. If you’re showing up to work drunk, or if you’re slurring your speech or otherwise exhibiting signs of intoxication, you can expect to be fired. Some professions, like pilots, may have specific rules about being intoxicated, even if you’re not working. If you’re flying a plane and are suspected of being intoxicated, you can be arrested, and even if you aren’t convicted of a crime, you can expect to lose your job.
Falsifying company documents
If you’re falsifying documents that your company relies on to function properly, you can expect to be fired. This can include falsifying your hours, falsifying timesheets, fudging on insurance claims, or lying on certifications you need to have in order to perform your job. This one is more than just making stuff up on paper. If you’re neglecting to log your hours, that can be grounds for dismissal, too. It’s one thing to round the clock up or down a few minutes, but if you’re consistently coming in just a few minutes late and never logging the time, you’re going to get caught.
Hitting on coworkers or clients
This one is pretty self-explanatory, but it’s important to include it in any list of fireable offenses. This includes hitting on clients, too. If you’re making unwanted advances towards a coworker or making verbal propositions, you can expect to be fired. This one can also include discrimination or harassment. If you’re making racist or sexist remarks, you’re also going to get fired for this behavior.
Violence in the workplace – physical or verbal
If you’re physically attacking a coworker or any member of the staff, or verbally attacking them or creating a hostile work environment, you can expect to be fired. Physical violence can also include fighting with a fellow employee out on the street. This is grounds for dismissal, in most cases, even if it is outside of the workplace.
Disregard for safety protocols or basic safety rules
If you’re being careless or negligent while performing your job duties, that could be grounds for dismissal. This can include neglecting to wear safety equipment, like hard hats or eye protection, or failing to wear a respirator if you need to. It can also include disregarding the instructions and warnings of the engineers on site. If you’re mucking up the works while they’re trying to do their job, there’s a good chance you’ll be fired.
Dishonesty in your job duties and responsibilities
If you’re lying about something in your job or lying about your ability to perform your job, you can expect to be fired. This can also include falsifying information on your resume or employment application, like your education or employment history. If you’re being dishonest about anything related to your job, you can expect to be fired.
Being unprofessional or failing to meet professional standards
This is a catch-all for all of the other things that could lead to your dismissal but don’t have a specific category. If you’re misusing company resources, like company vehicles or tools, or if you’re failing to meet professional standards, like dressing appropriately for the job or meeting minimum grooming standards, you can expect to be fired.
Poor performance and productivity
This is more than just showing up late or taking too many breaks. If you’re consistently failing to meet your goals or failing to meet the standards set by your company, you can expect to be fired. This could also include performance standards, like failing to meet the minimum standards for quality in your work.
Poor attitude
If you’re constantly in a bad mood, are constantly complaining about your job, or if you’re being uncooperative with fellow employees or managers, you can expect to be fired.
Not being a cultural fit
If you’re not a cultural fit for the company, and there are no other reasons for dismissal, you can expect to be fired. This is an important one because, often, it’s not something that happens until you’re fairly far into the job. This is something that employers may not catch until it’s too late to rectify the situation.
Being replaceable
This is mostly relevant to low-skilled workers, like fast food workers or retail employees. If you’re being fired because you’re replaceable, it’s because your job can be done by anyone. There is no need to fire you because it may be more trouble than it’s worth. If you work in this type of industry and are worried about being fired, you may want to consider applying for an internal promotion. If you can prove that you are worth keeping around, you may be able to avoid being fired altogether.
Being underutilized
This can also apply to low-skilled workers, though it may be a more valid reason for dismissal in other industries. If you’re a skilled worker in a job that is below your skill level, you may be at risk of being fired for being underutilized.
Having poor communication
If you’re not meeting expectations for communication, like failing to meet deadlines, ignoring emails, or making promises you can’t keep, you can expect to be fired. This may also include failing to meet communication standards, like failing to follow the company communication protocols.
Being unqualified for the job
If you are unqualified for the job, it can be grounds for dismissal. This includes being hired for a job above your skill level or degree, or failing to meet other qualifications applied to the job, like having insurance certifications or a valid driver’s license.
Being too qualified for the job
This is not a reason for firing, but it can be a reason for reassignment or demotion.
Being overqualified for the job
This is a bit different from being overqualified for the job. If you are overqualified for a job, it means that you have more experience or education than the other candidates vying for that position.
Being a bad culture fit
A bad culture fit is more than just not being