[twoquestions]

What worker's paradise do you live in that people get notice or feedback they're getting fired?

In every professional job I've had, if they like you they give slightly negative performance reviews and never mention what you do right, to encourage you to focus on their weaknesses and to encourage a healthy skepticism in your own abilities to keep you from having the confidence to look around.

If they want to get rid of you, they'll give glowing reviews. The business has judged you'll never get better, so no harm in letting you have excessive confidence. Also, when the shot comes, it comes like a bolt from the blue, so everyone else (who had worse reviews) knows the sword of Damocles is hanging over their head, and there's cause to can even the top performers at any time.

To the OP: if you're considering the person to be at all more important than a shop machine or raw materials, you're doing good, and I laud your compassion.

[orangepenguin]

This is interesting. I haven't experienced the type of performance reviews you mention, but I can see how it might happen.

[rutledjw]

realize this is way late - but 20+ years and I've NEVER encountered what you describe. Sounds dodgy and underhanded AF. Mind, I'm NOT doubting you. I have a low opinion of most companies. But dang...

I can only comment on how I fire (not lay off) people. I cannot control what others do (including my company), I can only control how _I_ behave.