Have you ever experienced the unsettling feeling of being ghosted at work?

If so, you're not alone.

Let's delve into this phenomenon and explore what you can do about it. Ghosting is a real issue in the workplace, not just in the dating or friendship world. How do you know if you are being ghosted? It's a serious matter that needs your attention.

Here are some tell-tale signs:

• Lack of communication – are your emails or messages going unanswered?
• Exclusion from meetings or Projects – this could be a sign you are being sidelined
• Keep an eye on Workplace Interactions – are people avoiding you or seem uncomfortable around you?
• Are your responsibilities being reassigned?
• Changes in feedback and recognition

If you are wondering and feeling like you may be being ghosted, try this advice and see if it helps:

If your supervisor or manager is being uncommunicative or slow in responding – take a beat. They may be dealing with personal stresses that take more time than usual. Try to give it some time, but if it persists for a long while with no reasonable explanation, try to reach out in different ways or ask other colleagues if they know something is happening.

If that doesn't work, approach them and voice your concerns clearly and concisely.

If you think you are being excluded, pay attention and track the changes. If it is an isolated incident, that can happen. If it happens repeatedly, then you should raise your concerns with your supervisor and ask for feedback. Perhaps it is due to a misunderstanding or miscommunication.

If colleagues are avoiding you and you have tried to initiate contact but are rebuffed, that can be a concern. I would address the issue directly and ask what is going on. Listen with an open mind and try to get to the root of the problem so you can solve it. Show your colleagues you are interested and want to repair the relationships.

When your tasks and responsibilities are being reassigned, it can be a sign of being phased out. This uncertainty is anxiety-provoking. Take steps to document when your assignments are being reassigned. Ask your supervisor why this is happening – is it a structural shift? Due to performance or is it an intentional signal that you are being laid off? Be open and clear in your communications with your supervisor and address any concerns they may have.

If there is a noticeable decline in feedback and recognition from your supervisor or peers you should ask them why. Request a meeting with your supervisor and discuss your concerns in a calm, non-emotional way. Requesting feedback can help you understand what you need to do and how you can improve your work. This can be very productive if you are both honest and clear - your work and your environment might just need a thoughtful and open evaluation and discussion.

However, if all of these are happening or you dread work because of anxiety over being ghosted, lack of responsiveness, or transparency, perhaps it is time to look for a new opportunity - sometimes, the environment is not the right fit.