Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? What the Latest Workplace Trend Really Means



Introduction

The term “quiet quitting” has taken the internet by storm, sparking debates about work-life balance, employee engagement, and the future of work itself. But is this phenomenon truly about quitting on the sly, or does it point to something deeper – a need to establish healthier boundaries between our professional and personal lives?

The Rise of Quiet Quitting: Understanding the Context

Coined in early 2022, “quiet quitting” describes the act of doing the bare minimum at work – fulfilling your job description without going above and beyond. It’s about opting out of the hustle culture that glorifies overworking and prioritizing mental wellbeing over climbing the corporate ladder.

This trend emerged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered a widespread reevaluation of priorities. Burnout rates soared as the lines between work and home blurred, leading many to question the sustainability of their work-life balance.

A person enjoying their hobbies and free time, looking happy and relaxed