The Rise of “Quiet Quitting”: A Misunderstood Phenomenon?
Lately, the term “quiet quitting” has exploded across social media and water cooler conversations alike. It seems everyone has an opinion on this supposed new wave of employee disengagement. But is it really a new phenomenon, or are we just slapping a catchy label on an age-old struggle for work-life balance? More importantly, is “quiet quitting” even an accurate description of what’s happening?
Burnout and the Evolution of Work: Understanding the Context
To understand this trend, we need to acknowledge the backdrop against which it’s playing out. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a global wave of burnout. Employees, many juggling remote work, family responsibilities, and the stress of a global crisis, found themselves stretched thinner than ever before. This led many to reassess their priorities and the role of work in their lives.
Simultaneously, the rise of the gig economy and remote work has blurred the lines between personal and professional time. The always-on mentality fueled by technology has made it harder to truly disconnect. It’s within this context that “quiet quitting” emerges.
