Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? What the Latest Work Trend Really Means




Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? What the Latest Work Trend Really Means

The Rise of “Quiet Quitting

Lately, the term “quiet quitting” has exploded across social media and infiltrated workplace conversations. But what does it really mean? Is it about doing the bare minimum, disengaging entirely, or simply setting healthy boundaries between work and personal life? The answer, as with most things, is nuanced.

From Hustle Culture to Boundary Setting

To understand this trend, we need to look at the context. For years, “hustle culture” reigned supreme. Employees were expected to go above and beyond, blurring the lines between work and personal time. This relentless pursuit of productivity often led to burnout, stress, and a lack of work-life balance.

Enter “quiet quitting.” While not a new concept, the pandemic and its aftermath forced many to re-evaluate their priorities. Employees, especially younger generations, started questioning the expectation of constant overwork. They began prioritizing their well-being and seeking a healthier relationship with their jobs.

A person smiling while working on their laptop in a cafe, representing work-life balance