The Rise of “Quiet Quitting“: A New Term for an Old Problem?
The term “quiet quitting” has taken the internet by storm, sparking heated debates and think pieces galore. But is it really a new phenomenon, or are we just slapping a trendy label on an age-old workplace dynamic? This supposed trend, where employees do the bare minimum and mentally check out, has ignited conversations about work-life balance, employee engagement, and the very nature of a job.
The Roots of Disengagement: Where Did This Trend Come From?
While the phrase itself might be relatively new, the sentiment behind “quiet quitting” is certainly not. Factors like burnout, lack of recognition, and stagnant career growth have long been contributing factors to employee disengagement. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of remote work seem to have amplified these issues, leading to a collective reevaluation of priorities.
Suddenly, with the lines between work and personal life blurring, employees began questioning the amount of time and energy they were pouring into their jobs. The “hustle culture” mentality, once glorified, started to feel unsustainable and, frankly, unappealing to many.
