The Rise of ‘Quiet Quitting’
The term “quiet quitting” has exploded across social media and infiltrated water cooler conversations, becoming a hot topic in the evolving landscape of work. But what exactly does it mean? In essence, it describes the act of doing the bare minimum at work—meeting basic requirements without going above and beyond or subscribing to the “hustle culture” mentality.
While the phrase might be new, the sentiment it encapsulates isn’t. Disengagement and dissatisfaction among workers have been simmering for years. However, the pandemic, with its seismic shifts in work structures and priorities, seems to have amplified these feelings, pushing the concept of “quiet quitting” into the spotlight.
From Burnout to Boundaries: Understanding the ‘Quiet Quitting’ Context
To understand “quiet quitting,” we need to look at the backdrop against which it emerged. The pre-pandemic work culture, particularly in certain industries, often glorified long hours, constant availability, and prioritizing work above all else. This led to widespread burnout, stress, and a blurring of boundaries between professional and personal lives.
