The Rise of “Quiet Quitting“
It’s the phrase on everyone’s lips, sparking debates from office breakrooms to LinkedIn feeds: “quiet quitting.” But what does it actually mean? Is it a new wave of workplace apathy, a sign of a disengaged generation, or simply a catchy term for something many of us have always done – setting boundaries?
Understanding the Context: Why Now?
The concept of “quiet quitting” went viral in 2022, capturing the zeitgeist of a workforce grappling with the aftermath of a global pandemic. Burnout was rampant, work-life balance felt elusive, and many employees questioned their relationship with their jobs.
Suddenly, videos and articles proliferated, depicting “quiet quitting” as a form of silent protest where employees do the bare minimum, refusing to go above and beyond their job descriptions. It resonated with individuals feeling overworked and undervalued, offering a seemingly appealing alternative to the drama of a full-blown resignation.