The Rise of ‘Quiet Quitting‘
The workplace lexicon has a new entry: “quiet quitting.” This buzzy term, popularized on social media, describes the act of doing the bare minimum at work—no more, no less. It’s about fulfilling your job description without going above and beyond, effectively setting boundaries between your professional and personal life. While some applaud it as a form of self-preservation in demanding work environments, others criticize it as a lack of dedication or a recipe for career stagnation.
From Hustle Culture to Boundary Setting
To understand the rise of quiet quitting, we need to look at the prevailing work culture. For years, the narrative has revolved around “hustle culture”—the glorification of overworking, constant availability, and prioritizing work above all else. This intense pressure to perform has led to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and a decline in overall well-being for many.
Quiet quitting, in this context, can be seen as a reaction against this unsustainable work model. It’s a way for employees to reclaim their time and energy, setting boundaries to protect their mental health and personal lives.
