Social media catalyzes today’s culture and is a source of diverse online trends impacting our everyday lives. One such trend, known as Quiet Quitting was initiated on TikTok in the third quarter of 2022
and made visible that many employees decided to stay in their current jobs without feeling motivated, engaged, or willing to give more than what is expected of them.
Many workers have started to use this term to shed light on the culture of overexertion and burnout. And this movement is also anticipated to encourage employers, as well, to value their workers and support their well-being.
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What is Quiet Quitting?
Quiet quitting does not mean leaving or quitting your job, it means saying ‘No’ to extra work that your company assigns you without compensation.
Quiet quitting means people understand the significance of work-life balance and rank their health, family, and friends, rather than pulling all-nighters to complete work that is not within the bounds of their job description.
Workers are tired of compromising their mental and physical health by going above and beyond for a job when they don’t feel that their efforts are being rewarded.
By quiet quitting, employees will fulfill their obligations without fulfilling a hustle culture that harms their mental health because they decided that work was not their entire life.
How Does It Work?
People who are on the ‘Quiet Quitting’ bandwagon fulfill the work that is within their job requirements and have healthy boundaries at the workplace where they don’t undertake extra duties or tasks so that they can partake in and enjoy activities other than work.
The term is being defined and examined by analysts in several media outlets trying to understand its origin and true meaning. For some people, it means you are mentally ticked off from work, while for others, it means not turning their hands to extra work without compensation.
Nonetheless, this movement is all about quitting the hustle culture and bringing balance to life.
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But Is Quiet Quitting Real?
The working landscape has been shifting since the Covid-19 pandemic, and employees are seeking more flexibility in their work.
Also, people are willing to reevaluate and set a point regarding the current work system, they want a change, so they are showing their uneasiness regarding this topic.
According to the Gallup survey about employee engagement, 32% of employees feel engaged with their work, while 18% of employees showed their displeasure and disengagement. This study also establishes that the remaining workers can be categorized as the quiet quitters, who make up to 50% of the employee population that don’t broadcast their frustration but are not engaged or satisfied with their work (HARTER, 2022). This data shows that, whether social media trends or not, quiet quitting is real and it has been going on for a relatively long time.
Can Businesses Stop Quiet Quitting?
To stop the quit-quitting spark turning into a crackling fire, employers can start by observing the behavior of their force, the corporate culture, and the incentives offered.
The team leaders and managers should encourage open communication with the employees to understand their concerns and offer them workplace flexibility to relieve their work stress.
Having initiatives that address employees’ needs will make them feel that they are valued and that their well-being is one of the top priorities for the business, as well.
Without any doubt, it’s time to redefine and evaluate what we consider leadership and team management.
Related: The Evolution of The Gig Economy
Are You Quiet Quitting? You Can Start Investing in Your Well-Being and Work-Life Balance
In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the workplace culture is changing, and people are realizing the importance of work-life balance. Rather than taking on duties that are not in their job description and are detrimental to their mental and physical health, workers need to communicate healthy boundaries with their managers.
Having spaces for open communication will help let go of workplace stress and improve the team’s productivity and engagement. Also, leaving work at the workplace, developing a hobby, and enjoying your free time with friends and family are becoming practices that need to be encouraged within the work environment.