The Rise of “Quiet Quitting“: A New Trend?
The internet is buzzing with talk of “quiet quitting,” a supposed new workplace trend sparking countless articles and debates about work-life balance. But what does “quiet quitting” really mean? Is it truly a new phenomenon, or simply a rebranding of an age-old struggle?
Decoding Quiet Quitting: What Does it Mean?
The term itself can be misleading, as “quiet quitting” doesn’t actually involve quitting your job. Instead, it refers to doing the bare minimum at work, which might look like:
- Working only your contracted hours and declining extra projects
- Disengaging from non-essential tasks or meetings
- Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life
Several factors contribute to this trend’s rise, including:
- Burnout: Years of hustle culture and pressure to overperform have left many employees feeling burnt out.
- The Pandemic Effect: COVID-19 forced a reevaluation of priorities, with work-life balance taking center stage.
- The Great Resignation: Witnessing mass resignations has empowered others to seek better treatment and boundaries.