The Rise of “Quiet Quitting“
The term “quiet quitting” has exploded across social media and infiltrated water cooler conversations, sparking debates about work-life balance, employee engagement, and the very nature of a job. But is this new phenomenon really about quitting on the sly, or is it simply a rebranding of an age-old concept: setting boundaries?
Decoding the Buzzword: What is Quiet Quitting?
At its core, “quiet quitting” refers to employees doing the bare minimum required of their job description and no more. They’re not going above and beyond, volunteering for extra projects, or attending every after-work social event. Essentially, they are mentally checking out while physically remaining employed.
This trend emerged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered a widespread re-evaluation of priorities. Many individuals, grappling with burnout and seeking a healthier work-life integration, began questioning the expectation of constantly going the extra mile.