Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? Unpacking the Latest Workplace Trend





The Rise of “Quiet Quitting“: A New Workplace Phenomenon

Is a silent epidemic of disengagement sweeping the nation, or are we witnessing a long-overdue recalibration of work-life balance? “Quiet quitting,” the latest buzzword to take the internet by storm, has ignited a heated debate about what it truly means to be engaged in today’s workplace.

Understanding the Context: What Does “Quiet Quitting” Really Mean?

The term, believed to have originated on TikTok, refers to the act of doing the bare minimum at work – no more, no less. It’s about fulfilling your job description without going above and beyond, effectively setting a boundary between your professional and personal life.

This trend emerges in the aftermath of the Great Resignation, where record numbers of employees left their jobs, seeking better pay, flexibility, and work-life balance. “Quiet quitters” may not be quitting their jobs outright, but they are “quitting” the hustle culture that often leads to burnout and dissatisfaction.

A person working on a laptop in a relaxed setting, with a cup of coffee and a plant nearby.