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



The Rise of “Quiet Quitting”

The internet is buzzing with talk of “quiet quitting.” This seemingly new trend has sparked countless articles, think pieces, and heated debates across social media. But is it really a new phenomenon, or simply a trendy new term for an age-old struggle: setting boundaries between work and life?

Understanding the Context: Why Now?

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered the landscape of work. Remote work blurred the lines between professional and personal time, leading to longer hours and burnout for many. Simultaneously, the rise of hustle culture and the glorification of “going above and beyond” created an environment where employees felt pressured to constantly prove their worth.

Enter “quiet quitting.” The term, while somewhat misleading, describes the act of doing the bare minimum at work and no longer subscribing to the idea that one’s job should be their entire life. It’s about clocking in and out on time, refusing to answer emails after hours, and prioritizing personal well-being over climbing the corporate ladder.

Group of colleagues having an open discussion, listening intently to each other