The pandemic brought significant shifts to the workplace, including remote work, blurred work-life boundaries, and increased economic pressures. These factors contributed to a widespread feeling of burnout, setting the stage for the emergence of “quiet quitting.”

Initially, the term implied employees doing the bare minimum and mentally disengaging. However, a more nuanced understanding has emerged, prompting a crucial question:

Quiet Quitting vs. Setting Boundaries: What’s the Difference?

At its core, “quiet quitting” might not be about quitting at all. Instead, it could be a way for employees to reclaim their time and energy by setting healthy boundaries.

Let’s break down the key differences:

Quiet Quitting:

• Often driven by resentment or apathy.
• Involves withdrawing from responsibilities and doing the bare minimum.
• Can negatively impact team morale and productivity.

Setting Boundaries:

• Proactive and rooted in self-respect and well-being.
• Involves clearly communicating limits around work hours, availability, and workload.
• Aims to create a more sustainable and fulfilling work-life balance.

While the lines can be blurry, the key difference lies in intention. Quiet quitting implies passive resistance, while setting boundaries is about actively shaping a healthier relationship with work.