“Quiet quitting” seems to have emerged from TikTok and quickly entered mainstream conversations. While definitions vary, it generally describes employees doing the bare minimum, no longer going above and beyond, and mentally “checking out” while staying employed.

Several factors contribute to this:

• Burnout: The “hustle culture” and pressure to do more with less have left many feeling exhausted and disillusioned.
• Lack of Work-Life Balance: The always-on nature of work makes disconnecting difficult, leading to resentment and a desire for personal time.
• Stagnant Wages: Rising inflation and stagnant wages make some employees feel undervalued, leading to a “work-to-rule” mentality.

Quiet Quitting vs. Setting Boundaries: Where’s the Line?

While “quiet quitting” might seem new, the sentiment isn’t. Employees have always faced burnout, work-life balance issues, and feeling undervalued.

The key difference is whether “quiet quitting” is just a new term for setting healthy boundaries. Is it about recognizing limits and refusing to sacrifice well-being, or is it about declining work ethic and engagement?

Consider these scenarios:

1. Scenario 1: An employee consistently works late, sacrifices weekends, and takes on extra tasks without complaint. They hit a breaking point, experiencing burnout and resentment. They decide to stop working late, prioritize weekends, and focus on their defined responsibilities. Is this quiet quitting or setting boundaries?
2. Scenario 2: An employee consistently delivers mediocre work, misses deadlines, and avoids new challenges. They are disengaged and put in minimal effort, impacting the team. Is this quiet quitting or simply poor performance?