At its core, ‘quiet quitting’ isn’t about literally quitting your job. It’s more about a subtle shift in mindset where employees choose to mentally check out and do only what their job description requires, nothing more, nothing less. It’s about setting boundaries, reclaiming personal time, and pushing back against the pressure to be “always on.”

Several factors have contributed to this trend:

• Burnout: The pandemic, with its blurred lines between work and home life, exacerbated burnout for many, leading to a reassessment of priorities.
• Hustle Culture Backlash: The relentless pursuit of “more” – more hours, more productivity, more achievements – has left many feeling depleted and disillusioned.
• Shifting Values: Younger generations are increasingly prioritizing well-being, purpose, and flexibility over traditional markers of success.

Is it ‘Quiet Quitting’ or Setting Healthy Boundaries?

While the term ‘quiet quitting’ might sound appealing to some, it’s crucial to acknowledge that it’s not a sustainable solution in the long run. It can lead to disengagement, stagnation, and potentially harm your career prospects. Instead of quietly disengaging, we need to reframe the conversation around setting healthy work boundaries.

Here’s how to differentiate between the two:

Quiet Quitting:

• Doing the bare minimum with minimal effort.
• Withdrawing emotionally and mentally from work.
• Avoiding communication and collaboration.

Healthy Boundaries:

• Clearly defining work hours and sticking to them.
• Prioritizing tasks and delegating when appropriate.
• Communicating needs and expectations openly with your manager.
• Taking regular breaks and utilizing vacation time.