Introduction: The Rise of “Quiet Quitting”
The term “quiet quitting” is buzzing around workplaces, but is it truly a new phenomenon? Or is it simply a new term for the age-old struggle to set healthy boundaries between our work lives and personal lives? This conversation has sparked important discussions about employee expectations, company culture, and what defines a fulfilling career in today’s world.
The Changing Landscape of Work
The COVID-19 pandemic undeniably transformed the way we work. Remote work blurred the lines between our professional and personal lives, often leading to burnout and a reassessment of priorities. As these boundaries blurred, employees began to question the expectation of consistently going “above and beyond,” especially when their well-being seemed to be taken for granted.
Enter “quiet quitting,” a term popularized on social media, which essentially describes the act of doing the bare minimum at work. It means fulfilling your job description, but no more. No late nights, no taking on extra projects, and no going the extra mile without clear recognition or compensation.