Quiet quitting is the latest trend in the corporate world. The phrase is being used across the internet, but what does it actually mean? At Adzuna, we have looked into what quiet quitting is, where it came from, and what to avoid if you want to follow the trend.
What is ‘quiet quitting’?
The term isn’t exactly what it sounds like, in fact, there is no actual quitting associated with it. Quiet quitting is simply the rejection of hustle culture. A whole new wave of employees, especially Gen-Z, are rejecting the idea of going above and beyond in their jobs to simply do the requirements of the role. Some have described the move as doing the bare minimum to avoid being fired, with others describing quiet quitting as rejecting the idea that work has to take over your life. Essentially, employees are putting their foot down and only doing what is outlined in their contracts.
How are employees quiet quitting?
There are several ways in which employees are following the trend. Employees are refusing to do projects outside of their job descriptions. They are also leaving work on time, as well as refusing to answer work emails, messages, or phone calls outside of work hours.
Where has quiet quitting come from?
The trend of quiet quitting is believed to be an adaptation of China’s ‘lying flat’ movement. This movement in China saw young people reject high-pressure jobs with little reward for an easier, more balanced life. Young people in China welcomed the movement but it was quickly censored by Chinese social media platforms and rejected by the Chinese Communist Party.
To many of us, quiet quitting has come from nowhere, so how are we hearing about it? The concept itself has been around for a while but it has seen a surge recently from TikTok. In fact, the #QuietQuitting hashtag currently has over 4.6 million views. Users of the social media platform have been sharing the ways that they are quietly quitting and the benefits they are seeing.
The phenomenon has seen a huge uptake recently, but why is this? Well, it is partially linked to the Great Resignation. During the pandemic, employees shifted their priorities and sought a better work-life balance. By not staying past 5 pm or not doing more than is required in their job description, employees started to feel less burned out. Deloitte’s 2022 Gen Z and Millennial survey found that 45% of Gen Zers feel burned out due to their work environment. This is a huge contributor to the new wave of quiet quitting being seen right now.
@zaidleppelin On quiet quitting #workreform ♬ original sound – ruby
The perks of quiet quitting
There are definitely plenty of benefits of quiet quitting for the employee. Quiet quitters are likely to see an improvement in work-life balance, with more personal time. That can have a knock-on positive effect on productivity during working hours, due to less burnout. There is a reason why quiet quitting is already being referred to as a ‘great liberation’. With overworking, burnout, and stress being replaced with balance, employees have more time to follow passions and pursuits outside of work.
Things to be aware of
Quiet quitting is often seen as a great idea, but there are some factors to be aware of. If there are particular things affecting your happiness, the first step should be to speak to your manager. For example, dissatisfaction with work-life balance, salary, or promotions can all be discussed before deciding to disengage from the role.
Make sure that you are not disengaging too much when quietly quitting. If you are seen to say no to every responsibility and task set, you may be at risk of being let go from the company. It’s generally not a bad idea to set boundaries, such as turning off your work phone and leaving the office on time. However, make sure that you are still doing the work outlined in your job description.
Before quietly quitting, think about potential promotions. Employers often look for candidates who are engaged and enthusiastic about their work. In the short term, taking on extra responsibilities can be a great way to learn new skills and push for that next step on the career ladder.
It is also worth considering whether the desire to disengage from the role could be a sign that it is time for you to move on. If employees are feeling uninspired and unmotivated, it could be the chance to find something new.
How should employers react to quiet quitting?
Firstly, employers should make sure that workloads are manageable and realistic. By doing this, employees are less likely to feel burned out and disengage completely from their work. If employers notice signs of burnout, they should have mental health policies in place. Talk through how employees are coping with their work or how they are feeling. By doing this, employees will feel cared about and will be more likely to begin to become more engaged. Employers could also refer employees to in-house or contracted coaches or counselors. This means that even if the employee doesn’t want to talk to their manager, they will be able to unpick their concerns and struggles.
Employers should also listen to employees’ concerns and be accommodating to their needs. Try not to take anything personally. Instead, take notes on areas where you can alleviate any stress or concerns. Although the conversation may feel awkward, it is definitely worth chatting about any issues before employees disengage completely.
Employers should be prepared to embrace quiet quitting. The trend is on the rise and more employees are expected to quiet quit. Remember that quiet quitting generally improves morale and therefore productivity so will most likely benefit the employer.
Quiet quitting doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Employees and employers alike should be open to the trend due to the number of benefits it brings. However, employees should approach quiet quitting with caution and not disengage from work completely.
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