The Rise of “Quiet Quitting”
Lately, the term “quiet quitting” has exploded across social media and infiltrated water cooler conversations (or perhaps the virtual equivalent). It’s the hot topic everyone seems to be buzzing about, but what does it really mean? Is it a revolutionary act of self-preservation in a demanding work culture, or just a trendy rebranding of an age-old concept?
The Great Resignation Sets the Stage
To understand the rise of “quiet quitting,” we need to rewind a bit. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a massive shift in the employment landscape. The “Great Resignation” saw millions of people voluntarily leaving their jobs, driven by burnout, a desire for better pay and benefits, and a reevaluation of work-life balance.
This wave of resignations highlighted a growing dissatisfaction with traditional work structures. Employees, many of whom had faced unprecedented stress and uncertainty, were no longer willing to tolerate toxic work environments or prioritize their jobs at the expense of their well-being.