Business
The “Quiet Quitting” Trend: Understanding Employee Disengagement in a Post-Pandemic World
Employees are setting boundaries, but managers are seeing disengagement. We break down the “quiet quitting” phenomenon and what it really means for the future of company culture.
A new term has exploded into the business lexicon: “Quiet Quitting.” It doesn’t mean actually quitting your job. Instead, it describes employees who choose to do the bare minimum required by their contract, rejecting the culture of “hustle” and going above and beyond without additional compensation or recognition.
This trend is a symptom of a deeper issue: widespread employee burnout and disengagement. The pandemic served as a catalyst, causing many to re-evaluate their relationship with work. The line between home and office blurred, leading to longer hours and increased stress. In response, employees are now setting firmer boundaries.
For managers, this is a critical warning sign. It signals a failure to foster a motivating and rewarding work environment. It points to problems with leadership, communication, and a lack of clear career progression or appreciation.
Combating “quiet quitting” requires a shift in management strategy. It means focusing on employee well-being, providing meaningful work, recognizing contributions, and ensuring that “going the extra mile” is a rewarded and voluntary choice, not an unpaid expectation.