What does “Quiet Quitting” mean?

Quiet quitting refers to a phenomenon where employees continue working at their jobs but reduce their effort and involvement to the bare minimum required. They fulfill their duties without going above and beyond, often as a response to dissatisfaction, burnout, or a lack of motivation. The term gained popularity as many people sought to reestablish work-life balance, choosing not to overextend themselves at the cost of their well-being.

Unlike traditional quitting, where an individual leaves their job entirely, quiet quitting involves staying in the role but mentally or emotionally disengaging from it.

Example

He’s been quietly quitting—just showing up to work on time and doing the bare minimum, but not putting in any extra hours or effort. #QuietQuitting #WorkLifeBalance

What are ways to recognize “Quiet Quitting” in the workplace?

Quiet quitting can manifest in various ways, such as employees no longer volunteering for extra projects, consistently avoiding overtime, or showing less enthusiasm for their responsibilities. It may also show in disengagement, where employees are physically present but not contributing creatively or going the extra mile.

Leaders should be aware of these signs and consider fostering an environment that supports employee engagement and well-being to prevent quiet quitting from becoming widespread.

Pro Tip

If you feel like you're heading toward quiet quitting, it may be a sign to assess your work-life balance and discuss concerns with a supervisor or HR to address dissatisfaction before disengagement becomes permanent.