Worker claims boss and HR gaslit them into ‘termination’, reveals subtle tactics that were used

A recent Reddit post has brought renewed attention to this issue. In a detailed account, a former employee described how they were gradually pushed toward termination under the pretense of support and professionalism.

The post outlined how both their manager and the HR department allegedly employed subtle but strategic behaviors to create a case for dismissal—without ever appearing overtly hostile.

A Smile in Public, A Dossier in Private

The employee explained that their manager maintained a friendly and cooperative demeanor, even while documenting minor slip-ups that were later used to paint a picture of poor performance. At first, the employee said they questioned their own instincts, thinking they were reading too much into things. Over time, however, it became clear that the support being shown was a façade.

Even while acting encouraging in meetings, the manager was allegedly building a record behind the scenes—twisting small mistakes into justification for eventual termination.

The post also described HR as playing a complicit role. Although initially appearing to be neutral, the department reportedly obstructed requests for reasonable accommodations related to mental health. One example involved HR asking for a link to the employee’s therapist’s bio, only to later deny support measures the employee said would have cost the company nothing.

In addition to delays, HR allegedly forced the employee to refile the same paperwork multiple times, leading to frustration and emotional exhaustion. These repeated hurdles, the employee claimed, contributed to a breakdown in morale and trust.

The Final Conversation

According to the post, things came to a head when the manager called the employee into the office and stated: “I’ve made the very difficult decision to terminate your position.” The employee described this moment as the culmination of a long, emotionally draining process that had left them doubting their own perception of reality.

After sharing their story, the employee reported being contacted by others with similar experiences—where management acted supportive until the final moment, and HR remained passive or protective of company interests rather than the employee’s well-being.