Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? The Thin Line Between Work-Life Balance and Disengagement



Introduction: The Rise of “Quiet Quitting

The modern workplace is abuzz with a new phrase: “quiet quitting.” While it sounds like secretly slipping out the back door, it actually refers to a more subtle form of employee disengagement. But is it truly a negative phenomenon, or is it simply a sign of employees setting healthy boundaries?

Quiet Quitting vs. The Great Resignation: Understanding the Context

The concept of “quiet quitting” emerged in the wake of the Great Resignation, where record numbers of employees left their jobs, seeking better work-life balance and fulfillment. Quiet quitting, in contrast, suggests a more passive approach. Employees who are “quiet quitting” are not necessarily leaving their jobs, but they are mentally checking out. They are doing the bare minimum required of them, not going above and beyond, and disengaging from the hustle culture that often permeates many workplaces.

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