The Rise of ‘Quiet Quitting‘: New Buzzword or Workplace Epidemic?
Lately, the internet has been abuzz with the term “quiet quitting.” No, it doesn’t involve sneaking out the back door of your office never to return (though the thought might be tempting on a Monday morning). Instead, it describes a more subtle shift in employee behavior – a rejection of the hustle culture that demands we go above and beyond at the expense of our well-being. Is this just a fancy term for setting healthy boundaries, or is it something more concerning? Let’s dive in.
From Hustle Culture to Boundary Setting: Understanding the Shift
For years, the prevailing narrative, particularly for millennials and Gen Z, has been to “lean in,” to dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to your career, often at the expense of personal time, relationships, and even health. This “hustle culture” glorifies long hours, constant availability, and prioritizing work above all else.
But the tides seem to be turning. Enter “quiet quitting.” It’s the idea of doing the bare minimum at work— fulfilling your job description but not going above and beyond, not taking on extra projects, and prioritizing your personal life.
