Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? Navigating the Changing Work Landscape




Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? Navigating the Changing Work Landscape


The Rise of Quiet Quitting

The modern workplace is abuzz with a new phrase: “quiet quitting.” This seemingly contradictory term has sparked countless debates, think pieces, and even a fair share of memes. But what does it truly mean, and is it really about quitting at all?

In essence, quiet quitting describes the phenomenon of employees doing the bare minimum at work, strictly adhering to their job descriptions and refraining from going above and beyond. It’s a silent withdrawal of enthusiasm and a rejection of the hustle culture that often permeates many industries.

Why Quiet Quitting is Happening: Contextualizing the Trend

To understand this shift, we need to consider the context. The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally reshaped our relationship with work. Remote work blurred the lines between personal and professional lives, leading to burnout and a reevaluation of priorities for many.

The rise of the gig economy and the constant pressure of being “always on” have also contributed to a sense of work-life imbalance. Employees are questioning the expectation to consistently go above and beyond, especially when it often comes at the expense of their well-being.

A person smiling while working on a laptop in a bright and airy space