Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? What the Latest Work Trend Really Means
The Rise of “Quiet Quitting”
The modern workplace is abuzz with a new phrase: “quiet quitting.” This seemingly paradoxical term has sparked countless debates and think pieces, leaving many wondering if it’s a revolutionary act of self-preservation or a recipe for career stagnation. But what does “quiet quitting” really mean, and is it truly a new phenomenon?
Decoding the Trend: A History of Workplace Discontent
While the phrase itself might be relatively new, the sentiment behind “quiet quitting” is far from novel. For decades, employees have grappled with burnout, feeling undervalued, and facing a lack of work-life balance. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its blurring of work-life boundaries and increased workloads, only exacerbated these issues.
The rise of remote and hybrid work models, while offering flexibility, also contributed to a sense of always being “on.” This constant connectivity further fueled the desire for clear boundaries and a healthier separation between professional and personal lives.