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

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Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? What This Workplace Trend Really Means

The Rise of “Quiet Quitting“

The term “quiet quitting” has taken the internet by storm, sparking countless debates and think pieces. But is it really a new phenomenon or simply a rebranding of an age-old struggle: setting boundaries between our professional and personal lives? This exploration aims to unpack the trend, examining its roots and what it reveals about the current state of the workplace.

quiet quitting,” we need to acknowledge the backdrop against which it’s emerged. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a significant shift in how we view work. Remote work blurred the lines between professional and personal spheres, often leading to longer hours and burnout. Simultaneously, the rise of “hustle culture” — the glorification of overworking — created an environment where employees felt pressured to go above and beyond, often at the expense of their well-being.

It’s within this context that “quiet quitting” emerged. Characterized by employees doing the bare minimum required of their job description and resisting the urge to take on extra responsibilities, it’s seen by some as a form of workplace resistance.

Quiet Quitting vs. Healthy Boundaries

The crux of the matter lies in differentiating between “quiet quitting” as disengagement and “quiet quitting” as a means of establishing healthy boundaries.

Quiet Quitting as Disengagement:

  • Characterized by apathy and a lack of motivation
  • Can lead to decreased productivity and a decline in work quality
  • Often stems from feeling undervalued or burnt out

Setting Healthy Boundaries:

  • Involves clearly defining work hours and sticking to them
  • Prioritizes personal time and well-being
  • Focuses on performing tasks efficiently within allocated time

The difference is subtle yet significant. While disengagement suggests a withdrawal from the workplace, setting boundaries implies a conscious choice to create a sustainable work-life balance.

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