The Rise of ‘Quiet Quitting‘: A New Trend or Age-Old Practice?
The term “quiet quitting” has exploded across social media and infiltrated water cooler conversations, becoming the latest buzzword to capture the zeitgeist of the modern workplace. But is it truly a new phenomenon, or have we simply slapped a catchy label on an age-old practice?
Understanding the Backdrop: Why Now?
To dissect this trend, we need to acknowledge the context in which it emerged. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a widespread reevaluation of priorities. Burnout soared as the lines between work and personal life blurred. Employees, many feeling overworked and undervalued, began seeking a greater sense of balance.
Enter “quiet quitting.” Essentially, it describes the act of doing the bare minimum at work— fulfilling your job description but no more. No going above and beyond, no unpaid overtime, no subscribing to the “hustle culture” mentality.
