What Is Quiet Quitting, And Why Does It Happen?
Quiet quitting, sometimes called “soft quitting,” is a trending term that generally refers to the choice to stop putting extra effort into one’s job, especially in response to unfair work conditions or a poor work-life balance. Understanding this terminology can be helpful for both employees and employers and may lead to a greater understanding of the importance of mental health in the workplace. Therapy can be helpful if you’re struggling to manage work-related stress.
What is quiet quitting?
In general, quiet quitting occurs when someone doesn’t quit their job, but stops putting in extra effort, attending non-mandatory meetings, taking on additional shifts, and going “above and beyond.” Instead, they typically complete only their necessary job duties. A person might quit their job after quiet quitting, with or without notice to the company. The term is often used as a form of protest against the poor work environment many employees face.
In addition, Americans are reportedly facing higher stress levels at work than ever before. In companies where mental health is not a priority, workers may become burned out and decide to stop putting in effort. Some companies have responded to quiet quitters with “quiet firing,” which involves not putting employees on the work schedule without giving them any official notice of their termination.
Who invented quiet quitting in employees?
There is some debate on where the term “quiet quitting” originated. However, an influencer named Brian Creely is often credited with first using the term in a video discussing an Insider article about “coasting,” another term used for employees who do not put in extra effort at work. Others believe the term was first coined by Zaid Khan in 2022, a 17-year-old who posted a TikTok encouraging others to stop going above and beyond for a job that doesn’t value them.
Is quiet quitting real?
According to a Gallup survey, at least half of the US workforce may be “quiet quitting.” Quiet quitters may continue to rise in numbers in protest of low wages, increased workplace stress, and a lack of job opportunities.
Younger workers in Generation Z, in particular, seem to be especially focused on receiving fair pay, with 70% of American Gen Z individuals naming salary as their top work motivator. More young workers seem to be recognizing their worth as employees and looking for companies that value them. Although this statistic might seem shallow to some, the rise in salary expectations may stem from being unable to pay rent or put food on the table while working a job that does not pay well.
Why do employees quiet quit?
There are many reasons an employee might start quietly quitting, including the following:
- Low pay
- A lack of opportunities for promotion
- No benefits
- Poor management
- Unkind or unhelpful coworkers
- A mismatch between the job description and actual expectations
- Increased stress at work
- A poor work-life balance
- A lack of praise and recognition from the employer
- An expectation to work many hours and limited time for rest
- Understaffing
- Working in an environment where customers take out their anger on employees
- Not having resources to care for one’s health
- Little to no breaks
How can employers healthily respond to employees quiet quitting to boost employee engagement?
Some employers might believe that the only way to combat quiet quitting is to fire these employees and seek new ones. However, with approximately 50% of the US workforce thought to be participating in this trend, there may be a likelihood of running into the same problem if the root cause is not remedied.
Successful managers can make a difference by understanding why their employees are actively disengaged and making changes to improve employee life. Even one meaningful conversation may make a positive change. Increasing pay, offering more opportunities for growth, rewarding positive behavior, and giving good benefit plans may be a few ways to provide support.
Ways to move forward if you don’t like your job
If you dislike your job and want to quiet quit, below are a few tips for moving forward healthily.
Start searching for new positions with a suitable job description
If you don’t see the possibility of change in your current position and are quiet quitting because of issues like pay, work-life balance, or a lack of opportunity, you might consider searching for a new job. While you remain at your current job, seek jobs online that fit your salary expectations. You might also look for reviews from past company employees to ensure they don’t have the same challenges you’re facing in your current position.
After receiving a job offer, you may entirely leave your current position. However, many find it most ethical to give at least two weeks’ notice before leaving their jobs. This choice is up to you.
Consider non-traditional forms of work and employee engagement within your culture
For some, the traditional nine-to-five workday at a corporate job is not ideal. If you don’t enjoy following the structure of most workplaces, consider the following non-traditional forms of work:
- Freelance gigs, such as writing, graphic design, or data entry
- Remote work
- Entrepreneurship
- Seasonal work
- Social media content creation
- Labor work, like yard work, moving, and contracting
- Selling art
- Selling services, such as cooking or cleaning
- Modeling
- Coaching
- Paid internships
- Childcare work (live-in nannies, etc.)
Consider communicating your needs to your current employers
If you enjoy your job but don’t want to put in the extra effort due to challenges at work, consider communicating these needs with your employer before quitting. Let them know you want higher pay, more opportunities, or a better work-life balance.
Before you meet with your manager, brainstorm all the points you’d like to bring up, plus potential solutions. Let them know how much you appreciate your current job and want to stay in the position, but be clear about how the current circumstances are negatively impacting your work-life balance and productivity.
The mental health impacts of a poor work-life balance and toxic work culture
A poor work-life balance usually occurs when one does not receive fair pay, is expected to work many hours, is not respected by management, and doesn’t have time for a personal life. Poor work-life balance has been associated with various mental health consequences, including depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and a higher risk of physical illness.
How to improve your work-life balance
To improve your work-life balance, consider the following tips:
- Don’t accept extra shifts if they take away from your personal time
- Negotiate your salary
- Tell your manager that you’re struggling
- Restructure your schedule or ask for different hours, if possible
- Look for a new job with a schedule and pay rate that match your needs
- Set healthy professional boundaries
- Look for a job about which you’re passionate
- Schedule time for leisure and hobbies each week
- Take breaks
- Prioritize your physical and mental health
- Talk to a career coach
- Connect with a therapist
Quiet quitting in friendships and relationships
Quiet quitting has also been observed in friendships and relationships. Some individuals in an unhealthy relationship or a relationship that doesn’t seem to be growing may stop putting in as much effort with their partner, quietly letting the relationship fizzle out.
This type of conflict resolution can be controversial for several reasons, as relationships often require some level of communication on both sides. However, some people might quietly leave their partners if they would be put in a dangerous or unhealthy situation by openly communicating the breakup. This strategy may allow them to leave the relationship safely, especially if they require time to save up money or work through legal matters.
Mental health support options
You might benefit from talking to a therapist if you struggle with any aspect of your professional or personal life. You don’t have to be living with a mental illness to go to therapy. If you struggle to find time for in-person therapy appointments, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp may offer a more convenient way to find support.
Through an online platform, you can connect with your provider via phone, video, or live chat at a time that works for your schedule. In addition, online therapy may be more cost-effective for those who struggle to afford in-person therapy.
Studies generally support the use of online therapy, showcasing its cost-effectiveness and ability to contribute to a higher quality of life.
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