The Rise of “Quiet Quitting”: A New Name for an Old Problem?
The term “quiet quitting” has exploded recently, flooding breakroom conversations and social media feeds. But is it really a new phenomenon, or just a catchy phrase for something that’s always existed? More importantly, is it really about slacking off, or does it point to a deeper need for workplace change?
From Hustle Culture to Boundary Setting: A Shift in Priorities
To understand this trend, we need to look back at the rise (and fall) of “hustle culture.” For years, employees were expected to go above and beyond, blurring the lines between work and personal life. Long hours, constant availability, and a “work comes first” mentality were praised, often at the expense of employee well-being.
However, the pandemic forced a collective re-evaluation. Work-life balance shifted from a “nice-to-have” to a necessity. Suddenly, employees were craving flexibility, autonomy, and most importantly, time for themselves and their families.
