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




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

The Rise of “Quiet Quitting”

Lately, the internet has been abuzz with talk of “quiet quitting.” This seemingly new trend has sparked debates, think pieces, and countless memes. But what exactly is quiet quitting, and is it really a new phenomenon?

Understanding the Context: Why Now?

The term itself might be relatively recent, but the concept is anything but. Quiet quitting, in essence, refers to employees doing the bare minimum at work— fulfilling their job descriptions without going above and beyond. They’re not actively sabotaging their careers or causing disruption; they’re simply disengaging from the hustle culture that often permeates modern workplaces.

This trend emerged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many to re-evaluate their priorities and relationship with work. The pandemic-induced burnout, coupled with the rise of remote work and increased awareness of mental health, has led many to question the expectation of consistently going above and beyond.

Two people having a conversation, possibly a manager and employee discussing work-life balance