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

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Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? Decoding the Latest Workplace Trend

The Rise of “Quiet Quitting

The term “quiet quitting” has taken the internet by storm, sparking countless debates and think pieces about the modern workplace. But is it truly a new phenomenon, or are we simply putting a catchy label on an age-old struggle: setting boundaries between our professional and personal lives?

Understanding the Context: Why Now?

The COVID-19 pandemic undeniably shifted our relationship with work. Remote work blurred the lines between office and home, leading to longer hours and increased burnout for many. Simultaneously, the rise of hustle culture and the gig economy normalized overworking and constant availability.

It’s within this context that “quiet quitting” emerged. Characterized by employees doing the bare minimum required of their job description and resisting the pressure to go above and beyond, it’s seen by some as a form of workplace protest against exploitative practices.

Quiet Quitting vs. Setting Boundaries: What’s the Difference?

The crucial distinction lies in intent. Quiet quitting, in its most negative interpretation, suggests disengagement and apathy. It implies a worker who is checked out, unmotivated, and simply biding their time until something better comes along.