At its core, “quiet quitting” describes employees who are doing the bare minimum at work – not going above and beyond, not taking on extra tasks, and generally disengaging from the “hustle culture” that often permeates many industries. This trend, emerging in the wake of the pandemic and the subsequent “Great Resignation,” has been attributed to various factors, including:

• Burnout: After years of overwork and blurred boundaries between work and personal life, many employees are simply exhausted and seeking a more sustainable pace.
• Lack of Recognition and Reward: When employees feel undervalued and underappreciated, their motivation to go the extra mile dwindles.
• Shifting Priorities: The pandemic prompted many to re-evaluate their priorities, with a greater emphasis on work-life balance and personal well-being.

Is it Quiet Quitting or Setting Healthy Boundaries?

While the term “quiet quitting” suggests a subversive act of employee disengagement, it’s crucial to recognize that it often boils down to something far more fundamental: setting boundaries.

For years, employees have been conditioned to equate going above and beyond with career progression. However, this relentless pursuit of “more” can come at a cost to mental and physical health, relationships, and overall well-being.

What’s being labeled as “quiet quitting” might actually be a sign of employees prioritizing their well-being and establishing healthier work-life boundaries. It’s about recognizing that work is just one aspect of life, not the entirety of it.