Is ‘Quiet Quitting’ Really a Thing, or Just a Sign of the Times?




Is ‘Quiet Quitting’ Really a Thing, or Just a Sign of the Times?

The Rise of Quiet Quitting

Lately, the term “quiet quitting” has exploded across social media and infiltrated water cooler conversations. It’s the hot topic that everyone seems to have an opinion on. But is it really a new phenomenon, or have we simply given a catchy name to an age-old workplace sentiment?

Understanding the Quiet Quitting Backdrop

To understand “quiet quitting,” we need to acknowledge the context in which it’s emerged. The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in an era of remote work, blurring the lines between professional and personal lives. Employees, many facing burnout and disillusionment, began reevaluating their priorities.

Simultaneously, the rise of hustle culture and the glorification of “going above and beyond” created a pressure cooker environment in many workplaces. Employees were expected to be “always on,” constantly striving for that next promotion or project. This, coupled with stagnant wages and a lack of work-life balance, left many feeling exploited and undervalued.

A photo of a team meeting where everyone looks engaged and happy.