Company Fired An Employee Because His Performance "Became Severely Lacking" After His Parents Died

Many companies don't perceive their employees as autonomous human beings with emotions and personal preferences; they only see them as "human resources." Once an employee stops performing as expected due to psychological or emotional reasons, these companies instantly lose interest and opt for simpler alternatives. 

These are the same companies that try to delude their employees into thinking that "they are a family," but the second they need to act like one, everyone loses interest. It's easy to make these claims to manipulate employees into performing better, but it's much harder to genuinely mean it.

A Redditor who goes by the username u/Resident_Occasion made a post on the r/AmItheA**hole subreddit, where she explained how the company she works for fired an employee when his performance became lacking after his parents died. The company never formally warned the employee about his declining performance and immediately fired him.

The user was unsure how to feel about the situation after her boyfriend reacted negatively to her story about what happened. So, she decided to consult with the Reddit community. 

The Reddit community had a variety of reactions to u/Resident_Occasion's post. Scroll down to check out the full Reddit post, and scroll a little further to read the comments from the original post. 

Original Post

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

After OP told her boyfriend about the whole situation, his reaction made her doubt how she handled the situation.

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

OP eventually modified the post to include an "Update" with more context about the situation.

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

The profound effects of grief on an individual's cognitive and emotional functioning are well-documented in psychological literature. These cognitive disruptions can severely impede workplace performance, leading to what many employers might interpret as a decline in productivity rather than a natural response to emotional trauma.

Grief can manifest in various ways, including decreased focus, fatigue, and an inability to engage in complex problem-solving tasks. The time needed for adjustment can vary widely among individuals, often extending beyond the immediate weeks following a loss. This understanding is crucial for employers who might be quick to dismiss affected employees without considering the emotional context of their performance.

Here's how the Reddit community reacted to u/Resident_Occasion's post:

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

Even Batman couldn't get over his parents' death.

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

A warning would have been more appropriate.

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

OP’s boyfriend reacted in a way that made her second-guess everything, especially after the company decided his performance was “severely lacking.”

Research indicates that workplaces often overlook the importance of emotional intelligence, particularly in times of crisis.

The workload will pile up after being away for a whole month.

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

"Workers are still people and not your property..."

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

They ensured he would take even more time to get over his parents' death.

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

That’s when the thread started spiraling into the real issue, people arguing whether the employer was punishing him for being human after his parents died.

Research suggests that fostering a culture of support not only benefits the individual but can also enhance overall productivity and workplace morale. By implementing supportive measures, employers can create a more resilient workforce capable of navigating personal challenges without compromising their professional contributions.

People won't perform at their best while mourning.

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

OP should not feel safe in this company because this could happen to her at any time.

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

They never mentioned that he was underperforming and straight-up fired him.

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

Organizations should recognize the phenomenon of compassion fatigue and provide training on maintaining personal boundaries while offering support. By equipping employees with tools to manage their emotional responses, companies can promote a healthier work environment that balances compassion with self-care.

Grief and money stress can spiral, like the OP deciding whether to use grandma’s inheritance after losing a job.

"Death is incredibly serious and takes time to heal from."

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

The company made a poor business decision for both the employee and themselves.

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

Everyone involved in the decision is an a-hole.

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

Then the comments zoomed in on the practical fallout, like how the workload would pile up after he’d been away for a month.

Building a Resilient Workplace Culture

The concept of resilience in the workplace is increasingly important, especially in the face of personal loss. Research conducted by the American Psychological Association shows that resilience can be cultivated through supportive leadership and a culture that encourages open communication. This is vital for employees grappling with grief, as a resilient culture enables them to express their struggles without fear of judgment or retribution.

To foster resilience, organizations can implement peer support networks and resilience training workshops. These initiatives can help employees build coping strategies and develop a sense of community, ultimately enhancing their capacity to recover from personal setbacks and maintain productivity.

They could have at least given him a second chance to improve.

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

"Hopefully he’ll have your company and you over a barrel."

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

The company didn't even try to be understanding of their employee's situation.

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

And by the time Reddit got to the “workers aren’t your property” line, OP was not the only one wondering if the company would do this to anyone else next.

Research has shown that the stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace can exacerbate feelings of isolation for grieving employees. A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology suggests that when employees perceive mental health issues as taboo, they are less likely to seek help or disclose their emotional struggles. This lack of support can lead to an exacerbation of their difficulties, both personally and professionally.

To combat this stigma, organizations should promote mental health awareness and create campaigns that normalize conversations around emotional well-being. Such initiatives not only support grieving employees but also contribute to a more open and inclusive workplace culture.

It was a major dick move from the company.

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

We all hope this didn't actually happen.

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

Some employers are absolute monsters, and they're not even trying to hide it.

Reddit: r/AmItheA**hole

Effective communication is a cornerstone of emotional support in the workplace, especially for employees dealing with grief.

OP and the company she works for could have attempted to do the humane thing and give their employee more time to heal. Instead, they chose the easy route by getting rid of him completely, which is absolutely heartless and cruel.

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The recent case of an employee being fired after his performance declined following the death of his parents highlights a troubling trend in corporate culture. Many organizations continue to prioritize productivity over empathy, failing to recognize the profound impact that personal loss can have on an individual’s work performance. This incident underscores the necessity for companies to adopt a more compassionate approach towards their workforce. By fostering an environment that values emotional intelligence and open communication, employers can create a culture where employees feel supported, particularly during times of personal crisis. Addressing mental health needs is not just a moral imperative; it is essential for boosting overall productivity and morale within the organization. Recognizing the humanity of each employee is crucial in building a healthier and more engaged workforce, ultimately benefiting the company as a whole.

Now OP is left wondering if her company is the kind of place that fires people for grieving.

For another workplace crisis, see what happened when a coworker’s family emergency forced OP to refuse covering.