The Burnout: the quiet quitting trend

Quiet quitting was a phenomenon in 2022, mostly used by Gen Z workers who have helped the term go viral on TikTok. The hashtag #quietquitting has amassed over 17 million views on TikTok. Press articles have shared the term, which spread the noise to other social media outlets like Linkedin.

However, the term has always been around. But it was previously known as ‘jobsworth‘ and ‘working to rule.’ The trend has always been around. However, quiet quitting has different definitions:

• Following your job description to every literal word and not going beyond the duties set.
• Literally quitting your job without fulfilling the notice period or notifying the employer.
• Doing the minimum requirements of one’s job and putting in no more time, effort, or enthusiasm than absolutely necessary.

However, the trending definition for quiet quitting is employees limiting their tasks to those strictly within their job description to avoid long hours and tired work life. Employers quietly quit by literally doing their job and nothing more – mainly to set clear boundaries to improve work-life balance. They stick to their job description and leave work behind once their shift has finished. But why was quiet quitting trending all of a sudden?

Quiet quitting is a way of dealing with burnout, an organisational behaviour expert told GQ Magazine, which is a major concern for Gen Z. A survey of 30,000 workers by Microsoft showed that 54% of Gen Z workers are considering quitting their job due to burnout. So, it is understandable why the term is so popular with the younger generation.

However, as with anything, there has been criticism of the term. Michael Timmes, Senior Human Resource Specialist, stated that: ‘From an office perspective, quiet quitting can cause conflicts between employees, as some employees will feel others aren’t carrying their weight.’

Kevin O’Leary, an investor, has said that quiet quitting is ‘a really bad idea as people that go beyond to try to solve problems for the organisation, their teams, their managers, their bosses, those are the ones that succeed in life.’

However, some may agree that quiet quitting is a good idea. Kelsey Wat, a career coach, argues that, ‘at the end of the day, quiet quitting is about combatting the long-held belief that the only way to get ahead professionally is to work far beyond your limits and to take on a ‘yes man’ mentality.’

It’s difficult to form an opinion on quiet quitting as it depends on your work environment and, possibly, the generation you were born in.

What are your thoughts on quiet quitting?  Share your thoughts!

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