Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? Unpacking the Latest Workplace Trend



The Rise of “Quiet Quitting

The modern workplace is abuzz with talk of “quiet quitting.” This seemingly new phenomenon has sparked debates, think pieces, and a whole lot of introspection. But is it really a new wave of disengagement, or are we just finally giving a name to the age-old practice of setting boundaries?

From Hustle Culture to Healthy Detachment

For years, the dominant narrative, especially in certain industries, has revolved around “hustle culture.” Employees were expected to go above and beyond, blurring the lines between work life and personal life. This often led to burnout, stress, and a decline in overall well-being.

Enter “quiet quitting.” Coined as a way to describe employees who are doing the bare minimum at work and not actively seeking additional responsibilities, the term quickly went viral. It resonated with those feeling the pressure to constantly overperform and highlighted a growing sentiment of prioritizing personal time and mental health.

Two people having a conversation at work