At its core, “quiet quitting” refers to the act of doing the bare minimum at work—no more, no less. It’s about fulfilling your job description without going above and beyond, opting out of the hustle culture that often permeates many industries.

Quiet Quitting: A Spectrum of Interpretations

While the term itself might suggest a passive-aggressive approach to work, the reality is more nuanced. “Quiet quitting” can manifest in various ways:

• Setting Healthy Boundaries: This involves clearly defining work hours, declining non-essential tasks outside those hours, and prioritizing personal time. It’s about reclaiming agency over one’s schedule and well-being.
• Disengagement and Apathy: In some cases, “quiet quitting” might signal a deeper issue—a lack of motivation, dissatisfaction with the job, or burnout. Employees might feel undervalued or lack opportunities for growth, leading to a decline in enthusiasm and effort.
• A Form of Protest: For some, “quiet quitting” is a silent rebellion against unrealistic expectations, toxic work environments, or inadequate compensation. By scaling back their efforts, employees might be expressing their discontent without directly addressing the root causes.