Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? What’s Really Happening in the Workplace



The Rise of “Quiet Quitting“: Revolution or Buzzword?

Quiet quitting” has taken the internet by storm, igniting debates about work-life balance, employee engagement, and the very definition of a job. But is it truly a new phenomenon, or simply a catchy term for an age-old practice? Does it signal a fundamental shift in the employee-employer relationship?

Understanding the Context: Why “Quiet Quitting” is Trending

At its core, “quiet quitting” describes employees doing the bare minimum required of their job description—no more, no less. They remain in their positions without actively seeking to leave, but they’re not going above and beyond either. This phenomenon gained traction following the COVID-19 pandemic as many workers experienced burnout, stress, and a reevaluation of priorities.

Some view “quiet quitting” as a symptom of a larger issue: a disconnect between employee expectations and the realities of the modern workplace. Factors like stagnant wages, limited growth opportunities, and increased workloads contribute to this disconnect.

A photo of a group of people having a meeting where everyone looks happy and engaged