The term itself might be new, but the sentiment behind it isn’t. Quiet quitting describes the act of doing the bare minimum at work—no going above and beyond, no burning the midnight oil. While it might seem like a modern phenomenon, fueled by burnout and a shifting work landscape post-pandemic, the reality is that disengagement at work has always existed.

What’s different now is the conversation surrounding it. The rise of social media, coupled with a renewed focus on mental health and well-being, has given employees a platform to voice their discontent and redefine what a healthy relationship with work looks like.

Quiet Quitting or Smart Boundary Setting: Decoding the Difference

Here’s where the debate gets interesting: is quiet quitting simply a negative spin on setting healthy boundaries?

Let’s break it down:

• Quiet Quitting: Often characterized by disengagement, apathy, and a lack of motivation. It suggests a passive resistance to work rather than an active approach to improving the situation.
• Boundary Setting: Involves proactively communicating your limits and needs to your employer, ensuring a sustainable workload and a healthy work-life balance. It’s about advocating for yourself and creating a work environment where you can thrive.

The key difference lies in communication and intention. Setting boundaries is about taking ownership of your well-being and advocating for your needs. Quiet quitting, on the other hand, often stems from feeling unheard and undervalued, leading to a withdrawal from work without addressing the root cause.