Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? Unpacking the Latest Workplace Trend




Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? Unpacking the Latest Workplace Trend


Introduction: The Rise of “Quiet Quitting

The term “quiet quitting” has taken social media and workplace conversations by storm, becoming a buzzword that reflects the current state of the modern workplace. But is this truly a new phenomenon, or simply a trendy new name for an age-old struggle: finding a healthy balance between our work and personal lives?

What is Quiet Quitting? Understanding the Basics

Emerging in early 2022, “quiet quitting” describes the act of doing the bare minimum at work—no more, no less. It’s about fulfilling your job requirements without going above and beyond, essentially pushing back against the “hustle culture” mentality often found in workplaces.

This trend gained traction following the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many people reevaluated their priorities and sought a healthier work-life balance. Factors like burnout, stress, and a lack of recognition or fair compensation for extra effort have fueled the quiet quitting trend.

A person closing their laptop at the end of the workday, symbolizing a healthy work-life balance