Is It Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? Unpacking the Latest Work Trend





The Rise of “Quiet Quitting“: A New Name for an Old Struggle?

The internet is buzzing with a new term: “quiet quitting.” It’s become the phrase du jour to describe employees who are doing the bare minimum at work, not going above and beyond, and generally disengaging from the hustle culture mentality. But is this really a new phenomenon, or are we simply putting a trendy label on something that’s been brewing for a while? More importantly, is it a sign of widespread employee dissatisfaction or a healthy shift towards setting boundaries?

The Great Resignation and the Changing Landscape of Work

To understand the rise of “quiet quitting,” we need to look at the context. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a seismic shift in how we view work. The Great Resignation saw millions of people voluntarily leaving their jobs, driven by burnout, a desire for better work-life balance, and a reevaluation of priorities.

This mass exodus forced companies to confront issues like employee well-being, flexible work arrangements, and the importance of a positive company culture. “Quiet quitting” could be seen as an extension of this trend, a way for employees who haven’t (or can’t afford to) quit outright to reclaim some control over their time and energy.

A person closing their laptop at the end of the workday, with a serene expression on their face