The Quiet Quitting Conundrum
The term “quiet quitting” has exploded across social media and infiltrated water cooler conversations, becoming the latest buzzword in the workplace lexicon. But is it truly a new phenomenon or simply a rebranding of an age-old struggle? This exploration aims to dissect the trend, separating hype from reality and examining its potential impact on both employees and employers.
Beyond the Buzzword: Understanding Quiet Quitting
At its core, “quiet quitting” refers to employees doing the bare minimum required of their job description, essentially fulfilling their contractual obligations without going above and beyond. It’s characterized by a decline in enthusiasm, a lack of initiative, and a withdrawal from activities not explicitly outlined in their job roles.
Several factors have contributed to the rise of this trend. The COVID-19 pandemic undeniably played a significant role, blurring the lines between work and personal life and leading to widespread burnout. Additionally, the rise of hustle culture and the constant pressure to do more with less have left many feeling disillusioned and questioning the value of overexertion.