The Rise of “Quiet Quitting“: A New Name for an Old Struggle?
“Quiet quitting” has become the latest buzzword to capture the zeitgeist, sparking countless articles, social media debates, and even think pieces on the future of work. But is this phenomenon truly a novel concept, or are we simply slapping a trendy label on an age-old struggle – the quest for a healthy work-life balance?
Beyond the Buzzword: Understanding the Context of “Quiet Quitting“
The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly shifted the landscape of work, ushering in an era of remote work, flexible schedules, and a renewed focus on employee well-being. As the lines between our professional and personal lives blurred, many individuals began reevaluating their priorities, questioning the role of work in their lives, and pushing back against the “hustle culture” mentality.
Enter “quiet quitting.” This term, despite its somewhat misleading name, doesn’t necessarily involve quitting your job outright. Instead, it refers to the act of doing the bare minimum at work, rejecting the notion of going above and beyond, and prioritizing personal time over exceeding job expectations.