Construction Law
Ghosting in the Construction Industry Part 1
When a worker elects to stop showing up to work and does not communicate with their employer, this unprofessional act is referred to as “ghosting.” Employers around the world are experiencing the effects of ghosting in their workplace and this a concerning trend in all industries, including in the construction sector. When a worker walks away from a construction project, the fallout can impact everything from jobsite safety to meeting deadlines to the morale in the workplace. When key components of a jobsite are compromised, you require the services of a Fort Lauderdale construction lawyer.
The Origin of the Term Ghosting
The term ghosting is actually rooted in the world of online dating. It became a common phrase for when a potential suitor ceased all communication with the person they were courting. Today, ghosting transcends dating sites and has become a common phrase for businesses that experience sudden job abandonment. When employees elect to metaphorically “dine and dash” on their employer, this results in the company being left to pick up the bill.
How Does an Employee Ghost Their Employer?
Sudden job abandonment can occur for a wide variety of reasons. In some cases, it can be unclear whether or not a worker has moved on from their position leaving the employer anxiously waiting for a few days for some form of notice. Here are some examples of how employees can ghost their employer or potential employer:
- A candidate refuses to show up for an initial interview
- A candidate fails to attend a follow-up interview
- A candidate ignores communication attempts by the company after the interview
- A new hire fails to show up the first day of work after accepting the position
- An employee quits attending work without any notice
- An employee schedules time off or leaves for lunch and never returns
Ghosting Leads to Stress on Construction Projects
Regardless of the reason for a worker walking off a jobsite, when a construction employee quits attending work, makes no effort to contact their employer, or deliberately ignores their employer’s attempts to reach them, they are negatively impacting their workplace in a variety of ways. In the time-sensitive construction world, a subcontractor or laborer who ghosts a contractor could lead to serious liability issues for the general contractor.
For more information on ghosting in the construction industry, please read parts two, three, four, five, and six.
If you would like to speak with our Fort Lauderdale construction lawyers, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.