Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? What’s Really Happening in the Workplace
The Rise of “Quiet Quitting”
“Quiet quitting” has become a buzzword, flooding our social media feeds and sparking heated debates. It describes the phenomenon of employees doing the bare minimum at work, not going above and beyond, and mentally checking out. But is this new trend really about quitting quietly, or is it simply workers setting healthy boundaries?
Beyond the Buzzword: Understanding the Context
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes to the workplace, blurring the lines between work and personal life. Remote work, while offering flexibility, often led to longer hours and burnout. Simultaneously, the “Great Resignation” saw employees reevaluating their priorities, seeking better work-life balance and increased compensation.
In this context, “quiet quitting” emerged as a way for some to cope with feelings of overwhelm and disillusionment. Instead of physically leaving their jobs, they chose to stay but mentally detach, limiting their work to their contracted hours and responsibilities.
