The Rise of Quiet Quitting: Disengagement or Self-Preservation?
The term “quiet quitting” has exploded across social media and infiltrated water cooler conversations, igniting a firestorm of opinions about work-life balance and employee engagement. But is it a new phenomenon, or simply a catchy phrase for an age-old dilemma?
Understanding the Backdrop: From Hustle Culture to the Great Resignation
To grasp the significance of “quiet quitting,” we need to consider the context in which it emerged. The past decade has witnessed the rise of “hustle culture,” glorifying relentless work as the path to success. Employees were expected to go above and beyond, blurring the lines between personal and professional lives.
Then came the pandemic, forcing a collective pause and prompting many to re-evaluate their priorities. The Great Resignation followed, with millions leaving their jobs in search of better work-life balance, flexibility, and meaning.
