The Rise of “Quiet Quitting“: What Does It Mean?
The term “quiet quitting” has taken social media and workplace conversations by storm. But what does it really entail? Is it a wave of disengaged employees, or is there a deeper meaning behind the buzzword?
“Quiet quitting” doesn’t actually involve quitting your job. It’s about doing the bare minimum, no longer going above and beyond, and mentally “checking out” while fulfilling basic job responsibilities.
This trend emerged after the COVID-19 pandemic as people reevaluated their priorities and work-life balance. The pandemic blurred lines between work and personal life, leading to burnout and a desire for greater control over time and energy.
Reframing the Narrative: Quiet Quitting as Boundary-Setting
Instead of viewing “quiet quitting” as workplace disharmony, it’s more constructive to see it as boundary-setting. Many individuals engaging in this trend aren’t apathetic about their jobs; they’re reclaiming their personal time and setting limits.
Consistently failing to meet expectations is unacceptable. However, it’s crucial to distinguish that from setting healthy boundaries, such as:
- Refusing to consistently work late without compensation.
- Not responding to emails and messages outside of work hours.
- Declining extra projects outside one’s job description.
These are examples of healthy boundaries, not quiet quitting.
A Much-Needed Conversation: The Importance of Employee Well-being
While “quiet quitting” might not be the most accurate term, it has sparked an important dialogue about employee well-being and the changing workplace dynamics.