Is ‘Quiet Quitting’ Just a Trend, or the Future of Work?
The Rise of Quiet Quitting
Lately, the term “quiet quitting” has exploded across social media and infiltrated water-cooler conversations (or perhaps the virtual equivalent). It’s become the buzzword du jour to describe a growing sentiment among employees: disengagement. But is this just a fleeting trend, a symptom of our post-pandemic world, or does it signal a deeper shift in how we view work?
Where Disillusionment Meets Disengagement
Quiet quitting isn’t about actually leaving your job; it’s about leaving the idea of going above and beyond. It’s about setting boundaries, doing the bare minimum required, and mentally “checking out” while remaining physically employed. While the phrase is new, the sentiment isn’t. Disillusionment with hustle culture, burnout from increasing workloads, and a lack of work-life balance have been brewing for years.
Several factors have contributed to this trend:
- The Pandemic Effect: The pandemic blurred work-life boundaries, leading to burnout and a reassessment of priorities for many.
- Stagnant Wages and Rising Costs: With inflation soaring, many workers feel financially squeezed, leading to a sense that going the extra mile isn’t worth it.
- The Great Resignation Hangover: As some workers jumped ship for better opportunities during the Great Resignation, those left behind often absorbed the extra work, leading to resentment and exhaustion.
