Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? What the Latest Work Trend Really Means

The Quiet Shift: Trend or Misnomer?

The term “quiet quitting” is making waves in the workplace, sparking discussions about employee engagement and work-life balance. But is it really a new phenomenon, or just a new name for setting boundaries?

From Hustle Culture to Healthy Detachment

The past decade saw “hustle culture” – the glorification of overworking – become the norm. Burnout rates soared as employees struggled to meet increasing demands. “Quiet quitting” resonates with those feeling the pressure, suggesting a rejection of going above and beyond, opting instead to deliver only what’s contractually required.

Quiet Quitting vs. Boundary Setting: What’s the Difference?

While “quiet quitting” might sound like mass demotivation, it’s more nuanced than that. It’s vital to differentiate between disengagement and healthy work-life balance.

Signs of Disengagement:

  • Consistently poor performance
  • Withdrawal from team interactions
  • Negativity and cynicism towards work
A photo of a person closing their laptop at the end of the workday, smiling and looking relaxed