Quiet Quitting: Is It a Gen Z Trend or a Canary in the Coal Mine?

The Silent Rise of “Quiet Quitting“

The term “quiet quitting” has exploded across social media, sparking heated debates about work ethic, generational differences, and the very nature of employment. But beyond the viral hashtags and clickbait headlines lies a more nuanced conversation about employee expectations, workplace culture, and the pursuit of work-life balance in a demanding world.

What is Quiet Quitting: Understanding the Trend

Despite its name, “quiet quitting” isn’t actually about quitting your job. Instead, it refers to the practice of setting boundaries and mentally “checking out” once you clock out. It’s about doing the bare minimum required of you, without going above and beyond in pursuit of career advancement or exceeding expectations.

While the term itself may be relatively new, the sentiment it encapsulates is not. Previous generations might have called it “coasting” or “phoning it in.” However, the widespread adoption of “quiet quitting” by Gen Z, a generation raised on hustle culture and side hustles, suggests a potential shift in workplace values.

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