4 Scenarios Why Employees Are Being Ghosted And How To Handle It

What is Ghosting?

Ghosting is abruptly cutting off all communication with someone without any explanation. While it's often associated with romantic relationships, ghosting is increasingly prevalent in friendships and professional settings.

In recent years, ghosting has become a widespread issue across various contexts, affecting people in different ways. Whether in new romantic relationships or burgeoning friendships, being ghosted can be painful, especially when waiting for a potentially life-changing response.

Reactions to ghosting vary from indifference to deep betrayal. In today's world of constant connectivity through social media, ghosting has become an all-too-common phenomenon. Many see ghosting as emotionally distressing because it offers no closure, reflecting a lack of empathy and emotional intelligence, and a disregard for basic courtesy.

1. Ghosted After an Interview

Being ghosted after an interview is more common than you might think. With employers having numerous ways to recruit—through LinkedIn, recruitment agencies, and company 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 organizational changes can also cause recruiters to go silent.

It's important not to take this personally. Such behaviour often reflects poorly on the organization and its culture. However, miscommunication can happen, and the lack of response might not be intentional. If you haven't heard back, it’s worth following up with the recruiter.

2. Ghosted by a Coworker 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 coworker, addressing the issue is vital. Unexplained silence breaks company policy and can be seen as discriminatory. If the situation doesn’t improve, escalate the matter to HR or a senior staff member you trust.

3. Ghosted by a Recruiter

Experiencing silence from a recruiter can be particularly frustrating, especially after feeling hopeful about a job opportunity. When dealing with numerous candidates, Recruiters might deprioritize communication with those they are not moving forward with. 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 to other opportunities and don’t let one experience diminish your confidence.

4. Ghosted by a Client

Being ghosted by a client can be tricky, impacting your professional relationships and finances. A common scenario is waiting for an unpaid invoice with no response from the client. This often indicates that 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 insight 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 demoralizing. However, understanding these scenarios and knowing how to handle them can help you navigate the professional landscape with resilience and professionalism.