The Rise of “Quiet Quitting“: Disengagement or Self-Preservation?
The term “quiet quitting” has taken the internet by storm, sparking heated debates about work-life balance, employee engagement, and the very nature of a job. But is this phenomenon really about quitting on the sly, or is it a sign that individuals are simply prioritizing their well-being by establishing healthier boundaries?
Understanding the Context: Burnout, Hustle Culture, and the Great Resignation
To understand the rise of “quiet quitting,” we need to consider the context in which it emerged. The past few years have been marked by significant upheaval in the workplace. The COVID-19 pandemic blurred the lines between work and home life, often leaving employees feeling burnt out and overworked.
This exhaustion, coupled with the rise of “hustle culture” – a societal pressure to constantly strive for more – has led many to re-evaluate their relationship with work. The Great Resignation, a period of record-high employee turnover, further highlights this shift in priorities. People are no longer willing to tolerate toxic work environments or sacrifice their well-being for a job.
