Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? Decoding the Latest Workplace Trend
Introduction
The term “quiet quitting” has exploded online, igniting debates about its implications for the modern workplace. Is it a bold act of self-preservation or a passive-aggressive response to dissatisfaction? As with most viral trends, the reality behind “quiet quitting” is more complex than the catchy phrase suggests.
Understanding the Quiet Quitting Phenomenon
“Quiet quitting,” coined in early 2022, describes employees fulfilling their job requirements without going above and beyond. Essentially, they’re “mentally checking out” while remaining employed. This can manifest as refusing overtime, declining extra projects, or disengaging from work outside of office hours.
This trend emerged following the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted a widespread reassessment of work-life balance and priorities. Burnout, lack of recognition, and stagnant wages further fueled the desire for firmer boundaries between professional and personal lives.
