Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries: What This Workplace Trend Really Means
The Rise of “Quiet Quitting”
Is it a revolution in the workplace or just a new term for an age-old concept? “Quiet quitting” has taken the internet by storm, sparking debates and think pieces across social media platforms and news outlets. But what does it actually mean? Is it about doing the bare minimum at work or is it simply a matter of establishing healthy boundaries?
Understanding the Post-Pandemic Workplace
The term “quiet quitting” emerged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by widespread burnout and a reassessment of priorities. Many individuals, exhausted from the demands of work-life imbalance and feeling undervalued, began to question their relationship with their jobs. This led to a growing sentiment of disengagement, with employees choosing to mentally “check out” rather than physically leaving their positions.
Quiet Quitting vs. Setting Boundaries: What’s the Difference?
While the term “quiet quitting” might suggest a passive form of protest, it’s important to recognize the difference between disengagement and boundary setting.
Quiet quitting, in its true sense, often involves:
- Apathy towards one’s job and responsibilities
- Reduced productivity and a lack of initiative
- Withdrawing from team efforts and collaboration
Setting boundaries, on the other hand, is about:
- Clearly defining work hours and sticking to them
- Prioritizing personal time and well-being
- Saying “no” to tasks outside of one’s job description
- Communicating needs and expectations effectively