The Rise of “Quiet Quitting”: A New Term for an Old Struggle?
The term “quiet quitting” has exploded across social media and infiltrated water cooler conversations. But is this truly a new phenomenon, or have we simply slapped a catchy label on an age-old workplace dilemma? This much-discussed trend speaks to a growing sentiment among employees: a desire to reclaim their time and energy, even if it means redefining their relationship with work.
Decoding the Buzzword: What Does “Quiet Quitting” Really Mean?
While definitions vary, “quiet quitting” generally refers to doing the bare minimum at work. It’s about fulfilling your job description without going above and beyond, effectively setting a clear boundary between your professional and personal life. However, it’s crucial to distinguish between healthy boundary-setting and genuine disengagement.
Signs of “Quiet Quitting”:
- Leaving work precisely at the end of your shift.
- Not volunteering for extra projects or responsibilities.
- Limiting communication with colleagues outside of work hours.
- A decline in enthusiasm or a shift to a more transactional approach to work.