Can you be fired for being shy?

[worriedfly]

Just that really. If you're not a social butterfly and prefer to get on with your work quietly, is that a reason to fire someone?

What line of work is it ?

Is it having an impact on your performance?

context please

Depends on the role. If you are unable to interact with clients and colleagues which is detrimental to your role then you would be unsuitable for it.

Generally, I would say no. If communication is a key part of your role and you're not doing that, that's different. But work should not require you to be 'social' as such, no.

No but I’ve been managed out (am an introvert) for it a few times. Most recent manager who did this was upfront about it; he needed someone who could build senior relationships quickly not necessarily someone who could do the work (which could be outsourced if needed). It’s shit but yes it can happen.

My last job fired a lovely girl who used to eat lunch in the car and didn't 'mix well'

Personally I thought it was really shitty but it does happen.

Depends on what your job is.

If you have to work closely with colleagues and customers than maybe. It depends what you understand by shy.
If you find it hard to communicate or people find it difficult to approach you than yes.
If you are just generally quiet but good listener, able to respond in a professional manner and good at getting your points across - not a reason.

Getting on reasonably well with your colleagues is expected in the majority of jobs.
If shyness is impacting on someone's ability to do/keep a job then it might be worthwhile doing some CBT to manage it. Or read How To Make Friends and Influence People, which sounds cheesy but is full of very good advice for the socially less-confident.

i would say yes but it depends on the job.

I nearly was back in the late 90s I was a teenage receptionist & was too shy on the phone.

The manager said if I didn't improve they'd let me go, so basically I worked on getting a lot more confident and I did improve.

Depends on the job.

In a job where you need to network with clients, suppliers, contractors, other companies etc then shyness might make it hard to do your job well.

In an admin job where you don’t need to speak to people to get the work done then it’s different

It does seem that extroverted people often get perceived better at work. They network with peers and managers, blow their own trumpet and push themselves forward.

Absolutely depends on the job.

Well you fire someone for anything, if you’re willing to accept the risk and expense of being taken to tribunal. Not all companies are good employers
I did work for a company who had a culture “thing” where people who didn’t reflect the aspirational culture were managed out. Shy people did come under that unfortunately.

Hope you’re ok OP

@worriedfly how do you communicate? Are you friendly, smiley, happy to help if someone asks?

Or surly, rude, head down?

Difficult to say without knowing.

It depends on the role and how it's managed.

I'm more introverted and enjoy my own company but many introverts are capable of 'turning on' the social because ultimately it's a useful set of skills to have. It doesn't mean we are at home being the life and soul of thr party, but does mean we can interact with confidence.

If work are being awful for you not eating lunch with others etc then they are out of order.
If they are trying to say that you need to be able to deal with interpersonal elements of work better then that's reasonable.

Totally unacceptable to sack someone for not having lunch with the others I think. Your lunch break is your own time anyway. I can see that participation at Christmas party etc. is encouraged, but can't be forced if not during work time.

Obviously if you're not able to talk to clients or afraid to answer the phone and not actually able to do your job that's a different matter (as long as it was made clear to you in the job description or interview).

I did once fail to pass on a telephone message because I was too scared to speak to the big boss! I also chickened out of repeating in a louder voice that a taxi was here and a boss almost missed it. I still kept my job :)