Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? The Truth About Today’s Workplace Trend
The Quiet Quitting Conundrum
Is it a silent wave of disengagement or a much-needed shift towards work-life balance? “Quiet quitting” has exploded online, igniting discussions about employee expectations, company culture, and the very nature of work in the 21st century. But does this trend really mean secretly quitting, or is it simply a new term for something we should all be doing—setting healthy boundaries?
The Rise of the “Quiet Quitter”
The phrase “quiet quitting” gained momentum in 2022, largely driven by social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter. It describes the act of doing only what’s outlined in one’s job description, without going above and beyond or taking on extra work. Essentially, it’s about doing the bare minimum and mentally “checking out” from work outside of work hours.
This trend emerged following the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted many to reassess their priorities and their relationship with work. Factors like burnout, lack of recognition, and the rise of remote work contributed to employees feeling increasingly disconnected and disillusioned.
