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

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

The Rise of “Quiet Quitting

Lately, the phrase “quiet quitting” has infiltrated our lexicon, sparking debates and think pieces across the internet. But is this phenomenon truly a new wave of workplace apathy, or is it simply a rebranding of an age-old concept: setting boundaries?

Contextualizing the Conversation

The modern workplace, shaped by hustle culture and the always-on digital age, often blurs the lines between personal and professional life. Employees are expected to go above and beyond, answering emails at all hours and consistently exceeding expectations. This pressure-cooker environment has led many to question the sustainability of such a work model.

Enter “quiet quitting.” While definitions vary, it generally refers to employees fulfilling their job requirements without subscribing to the notion of going above and beyond. Think: clocking out at 5 p.m. on the dot, not checking emails on weekends, and prioritizing personal time over extra projects.

A group of people having a relaxed conversation in a bright, modern office space