Introduction
The term “quiet quitting” is everywhere these days, sparking debates about what it truly means in the modern workplace. Is it really about employees stealthily quitting their jobs, or does it signal a deeper need for boundaries, work-life balance, and reevaluated expectations in the 21st century?
Understanding the “Quiet Quitting” Phenomenon
The phrase “quiet quitting” went viral on social media in 2022, reflecting a workforce struggling with burnout and disillusionment. At first glance, it seems to describe employees who, instead of formally resigning, choose to do the bare minimum—arriving and leaving on time, strictly adhering to job descriptions, and mentally “checking out” from the pressure to go above and beyond.
This trend emerged alongside several significant shifts in the work landscape:
- The Great Resignation saw a record number of employees voluntarily leaving their jobs, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction with traditional work structures.
- The rise of remote work blurred the lines between personal and professional lives, often resulting in longer hours and increased pressure.
- Millennials and Gen Z, known for prioritizing work-life balance, started questioning the expectation of overworking as a non-negotiable path to career progression.
