As an employee, you may have heard the term "quiet quitting" buzzing around your workplace or on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. It is a concept that refers to doing only the amount of work are paid to do and putting in no more time, effort, or enthusiasm than what is required of you. It may sound like a negative thing to some people, especially employers, however, in reality, this is a response to the growing dissatisfaction among workers who feel overworked, undervalued, and burnt out.
Quiet quitting involves staying in one's job but letting go of the unnecessary stress caused by going above and beyond by taking on responsibilities beyond the job description or the pay grade. In other words, quiet quitters choose to do only what is required of them and say goodbye to the extra burden that comes with doing more without being compensated for it.
One example of quiet quitting is setting boundaries for your workday. You can establish a specific time frame where you respond to emails or requests from your co-workers. For instance, you may not interact with anything work-related before 8:00 am or after 5:30 pm, which is the time your office is open. You may also communicate this to your colleagues, so they know when they can expect a response from you.
Another example is taking time off when you need it. You don't have to feel guilty or anxious about requesting time off, taking personal days, or sick time. Your employer has provided these benefits to ensure you have a healthy work-life balance, so take advantage of them when you need to.
The idea behind quiet quitting is simple. You work the hours you are paid for, and when you are off the clock, you leave your work at the door. You don't check your work emails, take phone calls, or engage in any work-related activities outside of your designated hours. This way, you can have a healthy work-life balance, which is crucial for your mental and physical well-being.
Quiet quitting is a symptom of a larger issue in the workforce: widespread dissatisfaction among employees. Many workers feel undervalued, overworked, and unappreciated, leading them to disengage from their jobs and perform only the minimum necessary. Employers who fail to address this issue risk losing valuable employees, lower productivity levels, and higher turnover rates. By creating a positive work environment and showing appreciation for their employees, employers can motivate their workers to perform to the best of their abilities.
It is important to note that quiet quitting is not designed to ruin workplace morale or to be disrespectful to your employer. It is merely a response to a growing need for employees to prioritize their well-being and avoid burnout. It is also a reminder that you are entitled to a fair and equitable work environment that values your contributions.
In conclusion, while the origins of quiet quitting are somewhat unclear, it is clear that the concept has struck a chord with many employees in recent years. Workforce who engages in quiet quitting may perform only the minimum necessary to collect their salary, leading to lower productivity levels and dissatisfaction among workers.
Employers who wish to address this issue must create a positive work environment, show appreciation for their employees, and motivate them to perform to the best of their abilities. By doing so, employers can help to improve employee morale, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.
As an employee, you have the right to prioritize your own life outside of work, your well-being and establish healthy boundaries in your work environment. By practicing quiet quitting, you can achieve a better work-life balance, reduce stress, and avoid burnout.
We have concluded our very own "quiet quitting" survey in Poland at the end of 2022 to oversee the situation. If you would like to know more about the results, click here. Please note that the results are available in Polish language.
