Quiet Quitting, Quiet Firing… Are We Overcomplicating Work?




Quiet Quitting, Quiet Firing… Are We Overcomplicating Work?

The Rise of Quiet Phenomena in the Workplace

The modern workplace is abuzz with whispers of “quiet quitting” and “quiet firing.” These seemingly contradictory trends have sparked countless debates and think pieces, leaving many wondering: have we turned work into a cryptic game of unspoken expectations and passive-aggressive maneuvers?

Decoding Quiet Quitting and Quiet Firing

Let’s clarify what these buzzwords actually mean. Quiet quitting doesn’t involve sneaking out the back door with your stapler. It’s about setting firm boundaries, doing your assigned tasks, and resisting the pressure to go above and beyond. Think of it as “acting your wage.”

Quiet firing, on the other hand, is a more insidious beast. It describes employers who, instead of having open conversations about performance or layoffs, create a hostile environment to nudge employees towards quitting. This can manifest as passing over someone for promotions, assigning undesirable tasks, or fostering a culture of negativity.

Illustration of employees and an employer having an open discussion at a table.