Is ‘Quiet Quitting’ Just Setting Boundaries in Disguise? Unpacking the Latest Workplace Trend




Is ‘Quiet Quitting’ Just Setting Boundaries? Unpacking the Workplace Trend


The Rise of ‘Quiet Quitting

Social media is buzzing with talk about “quiet quitting,” a new workplace phenomenon. But is it really quitting, or is it something else entirely? This trending term refers to employees doing the bare minimum at work—no going above and beyond, no burning the midnight oil, just fulfilling their job description and clocking out.

From Hustle Culture to Disillusionment

To understand “quiet quitting,” we need to look at the context in which it emerged. For years, “hustle culture” reigned supreme. Employees were expected to be “always on,” blurring the lines between work and personal life. This relentless pursuit of productivity often came at the expense of well-being, leading to burnout and disillusionment.

Enter “quiet quitting.” Some see it as a rebellion against toxic work environments and unrealistic expectations. It’s a way for employees, especially younger generations, to reclaim their time and prioritize their mental health.

An illustration of two people having a conversation, symbolizing open communication in the workplace.