The Rise of Quiet Quitting: Disengagement or Self-Preservation?
The phrase “quiet quitting” has exploded across social media, sparking debates about work ethic, employee expectations, and the evolving relationship between individuals and their careers. Is it a concerning trend signaling mass employee disengagement, or is it a long overdue recalibration of boundaries in a demanding work culture?
Understanding the Buzzword: Where Did “Quiet Quitting” Come From?
While the concept of doing the bare minimum at work isn’t new, the term “quiet quitting” gained traction in 2022, largely fueled by discussions on platforms like TikTok. It resonated with employees grappling with burnout, lack of work-life balance, and a sense of being undervalued. Suddenly, there was a name for this quiet form of disengagement, and it resonated with a workforce weary of going above and beyond without adequate recognition or compensation.