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Why Do Top Firms Fire Good Workers? — Looking up at tall buildings in a city

Why Do Top Firms Fire Good Workers?CEFR A2

1 Dec 2025

Adapted from Sandra Knispel-U. Rochester, Futurity CC BY 4.0

Photo by Jacob Pretorius, Unsplash

AI-assisted adaptation of the original article, simplified for language learners.

Elite firms often hire talented individuals but later let some of them go. This practice, known as churning, helps firms maintain their reputation and profits.

Researchers explain that at first, firms have more information about their employees than clients do. Over time, clients can see employee performance, which changes how firms pay their workers.

Some fired employees are still skilled. Their exit signals the top talent. Those who stay might accept lower pay temporarily, but they gain a better reputation, allowing them to earn more later.

Difficult words

  • elitehighly respected and successful people or groups.
  • talentedhaving a natural ability or skill.
  • practicea method or way of doing something.
  • clientspeople or companies that receive services.
  • performancehow well someone does their job.
  • signalsshows or indicates something.
  • reputationwhat people think about someone or something.

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Why do you think some employees accept lower pay temporarily?
  • How might a good reputation help workers earn more later?
  • What are the benefits of hiring talented individuals for firms?

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