After returning from vacation or a long weekend, the atmosphere in the office can sometimes feel tense. This is usually explained by fatigue and the need to readjust to the work rhythm. However, sometimes changed behavior from management and colleagues can indeed indicate upcoming personnel decisions. Body language expert Mike Carter claims that a possible dismissal is indicated not by a single gesture, but by several recurring signals. This is reported by the Daily Mail. ### What Signals Should Raise Alarm During communication, a manager or HR staff member may avoid eye contact, hide their hands in their pockets or behind their back, adopt a closed posture, and appear noticeably nervous. However, these signs alone do not prove anything: a person may be tired, in a hurry, or worried for an entirely different reason. It is much more important to pay attention to changes in workplace relationships. For example, an employee may stop being invited to meetings, be excluded from long-term projects, have their access to information restricted, or gradually see their responsibilities transferred to colleagues. A sharp reduction in communication with a direct supervisor can also be a troubling signal. Particularly concerning is if management suddenly starts to meticulously document past mistakes, demands written reports for every task, or schedules meetings with an HR representative without explanation. ### What Body Language Can Reveal According to Carter, body position can sometimes help understand a conversation partner's mood. If during a conversation a person's torso and feet are directed towards the door, it may indicate that they want to finish the meeting quickly. If, however, the conversation partner is turned towards you and maintains eye contact, they are likely more engaged in the discussion. At the same time, conclusions should not be drawn solely based on the position of legs, arms, or facial expressions. Such gestures depend on a person's habits, the situation, their level of fatigue, and even the temperature in the room. Caution should also be exercised when trying to recognize a "fake smile." A genuine emotion is usually reflected not only on the lips but also around the eyes; however, the absence of noticeable wrinkles does not necessarily prove the insincerity of the conversation partner. ### Advice from a Former FBI Agent Former FBI agent and nonverbal behavior specialist Joe Navarro recommends observing not individual popular "signs of lying," such as touching the nose, but rather how a person's behavior changes after a specific question or topic. If a conversation partner suddenly becomes tense, changes posture, tone of voice, or manner of speaking, it may indicate discomfort. But even such a reaction does not allow for a precise determination of its cause. To appear more confident during an important conversation, experts advise maintaining good posture, speaking calmly, keeping hands visible, and avoiding sudden movements. The gesture of connecting fingertips—often referred to as the "steeple" gesture—is also frequently perceived as a sign of confidence. ### How to Behave During Video Calls In online meetings, it is better not to stare at the screen motionlessly and not to get distracted by emails or messages. Eye movement quickly reveals a loss of attention. Light nods and natural head tilts help show that you are following the conversation. ### What to Do If You Have Suspicions If the alarming signs increase, it is not advisable to create conflict or accuse management. It is wiser to request feedback, clarify your tasks, and ask if the manager is satisfied with your work results. At the same time, you can update your resume, save examples of completed projects, and explore the job market. Such preparation is useful even if your concerns turn out to be unfounded. Body language can suggest that a person is experiencing tension or discomfort, but it cannot reliably predict dismissal. Real changes in work are much more telling: loss of responsibilities, exclusion from meetings, increased oversight, and sudden involvement of HR.
