At its core, “quiet quitting” refers to the act of doing the bare minimum at work—fulfilling your job description without going above and beyond. This can manifest in various ways, such as:

• Sticking strictly to designated work hours.
• Declining extra projects or tasks outside your scope.
• Disengaging from non-essential work activities.

While some view this as a negative trend indicative of a lazy workforce, others argue it’s a natural response to increasingly demanding work environments and a blurred line between personal and professional life.

Quiet Quitting vs. Setting Boundaries: Where’s the Line?

The key to understanding “quiet quitting” lies in differentiating it from healthy boundary-setting. Setting boundaries is essential for a sustainable work-life balance and involves:

• Communicating your limits: Clearly expressing your availability, workload capacity, and non-negotiables to your employer and colleagues.
• Prioritizing your well-being: Recognizing the importance of personal time, mental health, and outside interests.
• Seeking support: Engaging in open dialogue with your manager about workload concerns and exploring solutions together.

The critical difference lies in communication and intention. Boundary-setting is proactive, transparent, and aims for a mutually beneficial outcome. “Quiet quitting,” on the other hand, often operates from a place of resentment and involves withdrawing without addressing the root causes of dissatisfaction.