Is “Quiet Quitting” a New Trend or an Old Struggle?
The modern workplace buzzes with a new phrase: “quiet quitting.” It’s a trend splashed across headlines, sparking debates in breakrooms and boardrooms alike. But is this truly a new phenomenon, or have we simply slapped a catchy label on an age-old struggle for work-life balance?
From Hustle Culture to the Great Resignation: Understanding the Context
To understand “quiet quitting,” we need to rewind a bit. The past decade saw the rise and reign of “hustle culture” – a relentless pursuit of success often requiring individuals to prioritize work above all else. This relentless pace, coupled with the uncertainties of a global pandemic, ignited the “Great Resignation,” as employees re-evaluated their priorities and sought more fulfilling work experiences.
Enter “quiet quitting,” a term coined to describe employees who, instead of outright quitting their jobs, choose to mentally “check out.” They do the bare minimum, adhere strictly to their job descriptions, and resist going above and beyond.
