The Rise of “Quiet Quitting“: Disengagement or Empowerment?
The term “quiet quitting” has exploded across social media, sparking debates about work ethic, employee expectations, and the very nature of a job. Is it a concerning trend of disengaged workers doing the bare minimum, or is it a long-overdue recalibration of boundaries in pursuit of a healthier work-life balance?
Understanding the Context: Burnout, Hustle Culture, and the Great Resignation
To understand “quiet quitting,” we need to look at the broader context. Years of “hustle culture” glorifying overwork, coupled with the anxieties of the pandemic, led to widespread burnout. The Great Resignation saw millions leaving their jobs, seeking more fulfilling and less demanding work experiences. “Quiet quitting” can be seen as a byproduct of these trends—a response to feeling overworked and undervalued.
The term itself is somewhat misleading. “Quiet quitting” rarely involves actually quitting a job. Instead, it often manifests as:
- Setting Boundaries: Employees are drawing lines between their professional and personal lives. They are less willing to answer emails after hours or work late without extra compensation.
- Prioritizing Well-being: Workers are putting their mental and physical health first. They are taking breaks, using vacation time, and refusing to compromise their well-being for their jobs.
- Redefining Success: The traditional markers of career success—climbing the ladder at all costs—are being questioned. Many are finding fulfillment in personal pursuits and prioritizing their time accordingly.
Seen through this lens, “quiet quitting” might be more accurately described as “setting healthy boundaries” or “right-sizing” one’s relationship with work.
A Shift in Perspective: Why Setting Boundaries in the Workplace Matters
As someone who’s experienced burnout firsthand, I believe this shift is long overdue. For too long, we’ve conflated overwork with dedication and productivity. The pressure to be “always on” is unsustainable and detrimental to our well-being.
Setting boundaries is not about doing less work; it’s about doing the work you’re paid for within a reasonable timeframe. It’s about protecting your time and energy so you can show up as your best self, both at work and in your personal life.