The Rise of Quiet Quitting: Disengagement or Self-Preservation?
Lately, the term “quiet quitting” has been making waves across social media and infiltrating workplace conversations. It seems everyone has an opinion on this trend, with some praising its empowering message and others lamenting its potential to damage work ethic. But what exactly does it mean to “quietly quit,” and is it truly the corporate betrayal some paint it to be?
Decoding the Buzzword: From TikTok Trend to Workplace Reality
The phenomenon itself isn’t entirely new. Disengagement at work, characterized by reduced productivity and a lack of enthusiasm, has been around for ages. However, the catchy label “quiet quitting” struck a chord in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered a widespread reevaluation of work-life balance and personal priorities.
While definitions vary, quiet quitting generally refers to employees fulfilling their job requirements without going above and beyond. It’s about setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, opting out of the “hustle culture” mentality that often demands going the extra mile—even at the expense of personal well-being.
