Is ‘Quiet Quitting’ Just Setting Boundaries? The Big Debate Explained
The Quiet Quitting Conundrum
“Quiet quitting” has become the latest buzzword to infiltrate our work lexicon, sparking heated debates and think pieces galore. But is it truly a new phenomenon, or are we simply putting a trendy name to an age-old struggle? This much-discussed trend centers around employees doing the bare minimum at work – fulfilling their job descriptions but not going above and beyond. While some applaud this as a healthy recalibration of work-life boundaries, others criticize it as a lack of ambition and a recipe for career stagnation. So, which is it? Let’s delve deeper.
The Rise of “Disengaged” Employees
The seeds of “quiet quitting” were sown long before the term gained traction. The pandemic, with its blurred lines between work and personal life, undoubtedly accelerated the trend. Burnout rates skyrocketed as employees faced increased workloads, Zoom fatigue, and a lack of work-life separation.
Simultaneously, the rise of hustle culture and the glorification of “going the extra mile” created an environment where many felt pressured to constantly prove their worth. This perfect storm of factors led many to question their relationship with work and seek a more sustainable approach.