The Rise of Quiet Quitting: A New Name for an Old Struggle?
The internet is abuzz with talk of “quiet quitting” – a term that has sparked countless think pieces, social media debates, and even anxiety among some employers. But is this really a new phenomenon, or simply a fresh label slapped onto the age-old struggle for work-life balance?
From Hustle Culture to Burnout: Understanding the Backdrop
To understand the rise of quiet quitting, we need to look at the context in which it emerged. The past decade has seen the glorification of “hustle culture” – an environment where overworking and constant availability were lauded as virtues. Employees, particularly millennials and Gen Z, were expected to go above and beyond, often at the expense of their personal lives.
This relentless pursuit of productivity has taken its toll. Burnout rates have skyrocketed, with employees feeling emotionally drained, cynical about their work, and less effective in their roles. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its blurred lines between work and home life, only exacerbated these issues.
