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

The Rise of Quiet Quitting in the Workplace

Lately, the internet has been buzzing about “quiet quitting.” This seemingly new phenomenon has sparked countless articles, think pieces, and heated debates about work ethic, employee engagement, and the evolving relationship between employers and employees. But is “quiet quitting” really a new trend, or is it just a trendy new term for something many of us have been grappling with for years?

From Hustle Culture to “Doing the Bare Minimum”

In the not-so-distant past, “hustle culture” reigned supreme. Working long hours, being constantly available, and going above and beyond were lauded as the hallmarks of a dedicated employee. This relentless pursuit of productivity often came at the expense of personal time, well-being, and even basic boundaries.

Enter “quiet quitting” – a term often (and perhaps, misleadingly) used to describe employees who are doing the bare minimum required of their job and no more. They’re not actively looking for new jobs, but they’re also not going the extra mile or subscribing to the “always-on” mentality.

Person working from home at a desk with a laptop, smiling while on a video call