Is ‘Quiet Quitting’ Just Boundary Setting in Disguise? Unpacking the Latest Workplace Buzzword

Is ‘Quiet Quitting’ Just Boundary Setting? A Look at the Latest Workplace Trend

The Quiet Rise of a Workplace Phenomenon

Quiet quitting” – the phrase has exploded across social media, sparking debates and think pieces galore. But what does it actually mean? Is it a revolutionary act of self-preservation or a recipe for career stagnation? As with most viral trends, the reality is more nuanced than the catchy headlines suggest.

Decoding ‘Quiet Quitting’: A Trend Born of Burnout?

The term, popularized on TikTok, generally refers to employees doing the bare minimum at work. They’re not going above and beyond, pulling extra hours, or chasing promotions with the same fervor they might have before. Instead, they’re clocking in, fulfilling their job description, and clocking out – prioritizing their personal lives and well-being without outright quitting their jobs.

This trend speaks volumes about the current work landscape. Years of hustle culture, amplified by the pandemic’s blurring of work-life boundaries, have left many feeling burnt out and disillusioned. Employees are questioning the expectation of constantly going the extra mile, especially when it often comes at the expense of their mental and physical health.

A person smiling and working on a laptop in a brightly lit room, with a plant and natural light, representing a positive work-life balance.