Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? What This Workplace Trend Really Means
The Rise of “Quiet Quitting”: Disengagement or Self-Preservation?
The modern workplace is abuzz with talk of “quiet quitting.” This seemingly new phenomenon has sparked debate, with some applauding it as a long-overdue rebellion against hustle culture and others condemning it as a recipe for career stagnation. But is “quiet quitting” really a new trend, or are we simply giving a catchy name to an age-old struggle for work-life balance?
Unpacking the Buzzword: A Look at the Origins
While the exact origins of the term “quiet quitting” are unclear, it gained significant traction in 2022, quickly becoming a viral sensation on social media platforms like TikTok. This surge in popularity coincided with a period of significant change and upheaval in the global workforce. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many to re-evaluate their priorities, leading to the “Great Resignation” as employees sought better working conditions, greater flexibility, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“Quiet quitting,” in its essence, describes the act of doing the bare minimum at work—meeting basic job requirements without going above and beyond. This can manifest in various ways, such as:
- Sticking strictly to scheduled hours and refusing to work overtime
- Limiting communication with colleagues outside of work hours
- Declining additional tasks or projects that fall outside the scope of one’s job description
