While the phrase itself might be relatively new, the sentiment behind it certainly isn’t. For years, employees have grappled with burnout, feeling pressured to go above and beyond, often at the expense of their personal lives. The rise of remote work during the pandemic blurred the lines further, making it harder to “switch off” and leading to increased feelings of exhaustion.

Enter “quiet quitting.” Coined on TikTok, the term quickly went viral, resonating with workers who were tired of the “always-on” mentality. But the ambiguity of the phrase is where the debate lies.

Unpacking the Nuance: Is It Really Quitting or Just Setting Boundaries?

Here’s where things get interesting. Critics argue that “quiet quitting” encourages a lack of work ethic and ultimately hurts both the individual and the company. They view it as a passive-aggressive response rather than open communication.

On the flip side, proponents, many of whom are millennials and Gen Zers, argue that it’s about reclaiming their time and prioritizing their well-being. They’re not necessarily doing less work, but they are drawing a firmer line between their professional and personal lives. This can involve:

• Not checking emails outside of work hours
• Saying no to extra projects when they’re feeling overwhelmed
• Taking regular breaks to prevent burnout

Essentially, it’s about setting boundaries—something that’s crucial for a healthy work-life balance.