In a 2025 HRTech survey of over 1,000 U.S. managers, 53% admit to using quiet firing tactics. Being cut out of communications and planning for upcoming initiatives is the biggest red flag that you are being quietly fired, the experts told USA Today. The experts told USA Today that there are a few reasons for the rise in quiet firing. "If you're sensing signs of quiet firing, don't retreat," he told USA Today. As the experts point out, quiet firing isn't necessarily illegal, but it is if it is tied to discrimination or workplace retaliation.