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






The Rise of Quiet Quitting: Disengagement or Self-Preservation?

The term “quiet quitting” has taken the internet by storm, sparking heated debates and countless think pieces. Is it a revolutionary act of self-care in a demanding work culture or a recipe for career stagnation? As with most viral trends, the reality is far more nuanced than the catchy headlines suggest.

From Buzzword to Boardroom: Understanding the Quiet Quitting Context

The phrase itself evokes images of employees stealthily slipping out the back door, never to be seen again. However, the essence of “quiet quitting” lies not in actual resignation, but in a psychological shift. It describes a state of disengagement where employees perform their required duties but refrain from going above and beyond. Think: no more late nights, weekend emails, or volunteering for extra projects.

This trend emerges against a backdrop of evolving employee expectations, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z. These generations, having witnessed economic downturns and shifting work-life balances, are increasingly prioritizing personal well-being and questioning the traditional “hustle culture.”