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 are we simply putting a trendy label on an age-old struggle: setting boundaries between work and personal life?
From Buzzword to Boardroom: Understanding the “Quiet Quitting” Context
The phrase itself is believed to have originated on TikTok, where videos of employees rejecting hustle culture and prioritizing their well-being went viral. This resonated with a workforce grappling with burnout, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which blurred the lines between work and home life for many.
However, the concept of “quiet quitting” is far from new. Employees have long engaged in similar practices, albeit under different names: “working to rule,” “presenteeism,” or simply “doing the bare minimum.” The key difference now is the widespread awareness and open discussion surrounding this approach to work.