Have you ever found yourself unhappy with your job, where you constantly feel tired of the continuous flow of tasks that seem to be outside your work description? How about not being able to have some “me” time over the weekend because you’re still doing more work?
Well, if the answer is yes, and quitting your job isn’t in your options but wanted to do so, let’s introduce you to the viral workplace concept that can help you attain the work-life balance you’re waiting for — “quiet quitting.”
So, what exactly is quiet quitting?
As per NPR, the buzzword was first mentioned in a TikTok video posted by user @zaidlepellin, which has now garnered 3.4 million views. He explained that the philosophy of quiet quitting doesn’t involve quitting your job or resigning, but rather “quitting the idea of going above and beyond at work.”
To put it simply, quiet quitting is when an employee is doing the bare minimum at work and refusing to accept more tasks beyond the scope of their job and the compensation they originally get. This phenomenon is considered to be a response to “hustle culture” or “grind culture,” which is the opposite of quiet quitting.
THEY CALL IT QUIET QUITTING BUT IT'S REALLY JUST DOING YOUR JOB REQUIREMENTS DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS PEOPLE DESERVE A GOOD WORK/LIFE BALANCE AND NOT ANSWERING A WORK EMAIL AT 10PM ISN'T QUITTING IT'S JUST BEING A NORMAL HUMAN WHO HAS A LIFE AND SETS HEALTHY BOUNDARIES pic.twitter.com/uEto7i42VP
— LinkedIn (@LinkedIn) August 18, 2022
While the term quiet quitting sounds new, the concept itself isn’t as it has always been in existence. But why is it becoming a “trend” now?
Many reports suggested that the common reason why this notion currently gained public attention is because of the changes in the workforce brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
When the global pandemic hit, the world closed its borders and implemented restrictions to avoid the influx of COVID-19 cases. Since health and safety are top priorities, most companies applied remote work policies, allowing employees to work in the comfort of their own homes.
This new normal, however, has “blurred the lines” between many’s personal life and professional ones, which made it harder for them to set boundaries and “separate themselves from work.” Because of this, working becomes challenging, and many experience burnout and stress, leading them to reclaim work-life balance and create healthier boundaries.
Another thing that can explain its traction is the fact that many millennials and Generation Z-ers are sharing their experiences on the internet, particularly on TikTok, about dealing with burnout in the workforce, which resulted in many doing the same thing. In fact, the tag #quietquitting has amassed around 25.9 million views as of writing.
While quiet quitting is happening in our Western neighbors, the notion is also real in the Filipino workforce.
A 2022 Deloitte study revealed that 70% of Generation Z-ers and 63% of millennials in the Philippines experienced burnout in their workplaces due to higher and heavier workload demands. Not to mention that their stress also increased due to the sky-high inflation and low income.
With all these numbers and facts presented on the table, this can only mean that there’s a possibility Filipino professionals will opt for (and probably have experienced already) quiet quitting—not because they’re lazy or slacking, but because they’re creating healthier boundaries to avoid getting burnout. After all, workplace boundaries help create a work-conducive environment, which leads to employees working productively.
And if the notion of quiet quitting will take over the Filipino workforce, employees can expect a proper work-life balance, where they can feel job fulfillment, and take care of and protect their mental health at the same time.
On the other hand, employers should also be doing something to support their employees’ welfare. So, it’s time to review your workplace policies, look after your employees, and pay attention to their well-being. Because at the end of the day, you can also benefit from employees who are mentally healthy as they can help your business to prosper and thrive.
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What was the Great Resignation of 2021 and what does it mean for us?
Returning to face-to-face work set-up: A choice or a responsibility?
‘Well-being washing’: How some employers are covering up work ills