Ghosting in the workplace can be frustrating and demoralising, so it is important to handle such a setback with resilience and professionalism. Photo: File.
James Mason investigates the unpleasant practice of ghosting – once confined to dating sites but now creeping into the business world – and suggests ways to handle it.
Ghosting isn’t just for dating – it’s now in the workplace. From post-interview silence to co-workers or clients cutting off contact, ghosting is a rising concern.
It is important to understand why it occurs and how to tackle it with resilience and professionalism — don’t let the silence shake your confidence. Here are some examples and what to do about them.
Ghosted after an interview: With employers having numerous ways to recruit – through LinkedIn, recruitment agencies, and recruitment websites – access to a wider pool of candidates can lead to an overload of options.
As a result, some employers may neglect to follow up with candidates who weren’t successful, or keep them hanging if they’re still under consideration.
Last-minute budget cuts or other organisational changes can also cause recruiters to go silent.
It’s important not to take this personally. Such behaviour often reflects poorly on the organisation and its culture. However, miscommunication can happen, and the lack of a response might not be intentional.
If you haven’t heard back, it’s worth following up with the recruiter.
Ghosted by a co-worker or boss: Workplace relationships can be challenging, especially if you clash with a colleague or superior.
Sometimes, asking a seemingly innocent question can result in being given the cold shoulder, with emails and calls going unanswered. Ghosting in the workplace is surprisingly common.
If your work depends on interaction with a ghosting boss or co-worker, addressing the issue is crucial. Unexplained silence can be seen as discriminatory.
If the situation doesn’t improve, escalate the matter to human resources or a senior staff member you trust.
Ghosted by a recruiter: This can be particularly frustrating, especially after feeling hopeful about a job opportunity.
When dealing with numerous candidates, recruiters might deprioritise communication with those who are less appealing.
This lack of feedback can leave candidates uncertain about their job prospects.
If you’ve been ghosted by a recruiter, remember it often reflects on their professionalism, not your worth as a candidate.
Follow up politely to seek clarity. Meanwhile, keep applying for other opportunities and don’t let one experience diminish your confidence.
Ghosted by a client: Perhaps the most tricky of all ghosting as it impacts your professional relationships and possibly the organisation’s finances.
A common scenario is waiting for an unpaid invoice with no response from the client, often indicating the client is struggling to make the payment and chooses to avoid the conversation.
Alternatively, the client might have taken a personal dislike to you, for reasons that could range from personal biases to something you said inadvertently.
If a client ghosts you, seek insights from your colleagues. Understanding the reason behind their silence can help you address the issue or avoid similar situations in the future.
If multiple clients are ghosting you, it might be time to reflect on your interactions and seek feedback to improve your approach.
Ghosting in the workplace can be frustrating and demoralising. However, understanding these scenarios and knowing how to handle them can help you navigate the professional landscape with resilience and professionalism.
James Mason has worked for various organisations over an 18-year career. A seasoned blogger, he has created the blogsite Office Bantomime.
This article first appeared on the Office Bantomime website.
