Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? What the Latest Work Trend Really Means

The Rise of “Quiet Quitting”

The modern workplace is abuzz with talk of “quiet quitting.” But what does this seemingly paradoxical term actually entail? Is it a mass exodus of disengaged employees, or a subtle shift towards healthier work-life boundaries? The truth, as with most things, lies somewhere in the middle.

Understanding the Context of “Quiet Quitting”

The concept of “quiet quitting” emerged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many individuals re-evaluated their priorities and relationship with work. Factors like burnout, lack of recognition, and the rise of remote work contributed to this shift in employee mindset.

Essentially, “quiet quitting” refers to the act of doing the bare minimum at work. Employees who engage in this practice are not necessarily looking to leave their jobs immediately, but they are no longer willing to go above and beyond. They stick to their defined roles and responsibilities, clock out at the designated time, and resist the pressure to overwork themselves.