“Quiet Cutting” in the Workplace and its Effect on Latinos
Latino excellence deserves more than a seat at the table — it deserves purpose-aligned roles, career growth, and consideration.
If you’ve never heard the term “quiet cutting,” you’re not alone — but chances are, you’ve felt it.
This silent workplace trend involves companies reassigning employees to lower-status, dead-end, or less visible roles without officially laying them off. It’s a way for companies to avoid legal trouble or severance packages, while often making employees feel disposable or confused about their future. It’s a precarious situation and feeling for many.
And while it affects workers across industries, Latino professionals are disproportionately vulnerable — especially first-gen employees, immigrants, and those raised with a “just be grateful to have a job” mentality.
Why Latino Professionals Are Especially at Risk
Cultural values like hard work, loyalty, and humility are beautiful strengths — but in toxic or unstable workplaces, they can be taken advantage of.
Here’s how it shows up:
- We stay longer in jobs that underpay or under-recognize us, out of loyalty or fear.
- We don’t always advocate for promotions or challenge unfair reassignments.
- Many of us are first-gen professionals navigating corporate rules no one taught us.
- In some cases, our bilingual skills or community-centered work ethic is leaned on—but not adequately enough or promoted.
What Quiet Cutting Feels Like
You’re not fired. But your team disappears.
Your title changes. Your projects dry up.
You feel… invisible.
This lack of clarity can be even more harmful than being laid off. It creates self-doubt, stress, and burnout — especially for those of us already carrying the weight of family expectations or financial pressure.
What You Can Do If You’re Experiencing Quiet Cutting:
- Name It.
Recognizing this trend gives you your power back. You’re not crazy — this is happening. - Document Everything.
Keep track of your job changes, performance reviews, and communication. - Reconnect to Your Worth.
Don’t let a title shift define your value. Your skills, cultural strengths, and voice matter — deeply. - Ask Directly.
You have a right to clarity. Ask: “What’s the goal of this reassignment? What’s the growth path from here?” - Plan Your Pivot.
Whether it’s upskilling, seeking mentorship, or talking to a coach who understands your experience, don’t wait to lose your confidence. You deserve a career that honors you.
Moving forward: Let’s Not Stay Quiet About Quiet Cutting
Latino excellence deserves more than a seat at the table — it deserves purpose-aligned roles, career growth, and consideration. We’re not here just to fill quotas or do the emotional labor of holding teams together. We are innovators, leaders, and visionaries. And we all deserve to thrive in the workplace. If you’ve felt the sting of quiet cutting know that you are not alone. And you don’t have to accept less to prove your worth. Keep pushing for openness and the respect you deserve at work.
Looking for additional support moving forward? Reach out to Burnout & Career Alignment Coach Teany – www.teanyhidalgo.com
Related content:
Bilingual Latinos a Distinct Business Advantage
The Power of Trust and Support: Building Inclusive Workplaces for Latino Employees
