The Rise of “Quiet Quitting”: What Does It Mean?
The term “quiet quitting” has exploded on social media, sparking debates about work-life balance. But what does it really entail? Is it about slacking off, mass disengagement, or something else entirely?
Essentially, “quiet quitting” seems to describe fulfilling your job description without going above and beyond. It’s about separating personal and work time, rejecting the “hustle culture” mentality common in modern workplaces.
“Quiet quitting” didn’t emerge in a vacuum. It’s a symptom of a shifting work landscape, driven by:
- Burnout: The COVID-19 pandemic worsened existing burnout, pushing employees to their limits.
- The Great Resignation: Mass resignations empowered individuals to seek better work environments and prioritize their well-being.
- Remote Work: Remote and hybrid work blurred lines between professional and personal lives, making it harder to switch off.
Quiet Quitting vs. Setting Healthy Boundaries: What’s the Difference?
While “quiet quitting” might suggest a lack of effort, it’s often about setting healthy boundaries between work and personal life.
Consistently failing to meet job requirements is unacceptable. However, there’s a difference between that and opting out of activities outside your defined role.
Here are some examples:
- Quiet Quitting: Checking emails and messages outside work hours.
- Setting a Boundary: Designating times for work emails and communicating those expectations.
- Quiet Quitting: Taking on extra tasks without workload adjustments or compensation.
- Setting a Boundary: Respectfully declining extra responsibilities when at capacity, offering alternative solutions or suggesting other colleagues.