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




The Rise of “Quiet Quitting

The term “quiet quitting” has taken the internet by storm, sparking countless debates and think pieces. But is it really a new phenomenon, or simply a rebranding of an age-old struggle? This trend, characterized by employees doing the bare minimum at work and disengaging from the hustle culture, has ignited conversations about work-life balance, employee expectations, and the very nature of work itself.

From Buzzword to Boardroom: Understanding the Quiet Quitting Context

The seeds of “quiet quitting” were sown long before the term gained traction. Years of wage stagnation, increasing workloads, and a global pandemic forcing a reassessment of priorities have culminated in a workforce that’s burnt out and disillusioned. The rise of remote work further blurred the lines between personal and professional lives, often leaving employees feeling tethered to their jobs 24/7. “Quiet quitting,” in this context, can be seen as a form of silent protest, a way for employees to reclaim their time and energy without outright quitting their jobs.

An illustration representing work-life balance with a scale evenly balanced between work-related items and personal life symbols.