Quiet Quitting Decoded: We delve deep into the new workforce trend sparking controversy

If you’re active on social media (especially TikTok!), you’ll know that the quiet quitting revolution is taking over!

So, you’ve heard the term being thrown around, but do you know what quiet quitting really is? Let’s break it down here:

Quiet Quitting? What’s that?

Unlike what the name implies, quiet quitting has nothing to do with secretly submitting your resignation 😂

On the contrary, when you quietly quit, you very much have a job – you just sort of….

According to the Harvard Business Review, these are some signs of quiet quitting:

• Doing only the bare minimum of what’s expected of you
• Keeping only to official working hours and declining overtime
• Not trying to make a good impression

You might think to yourself, doesn’t it just sound like I’m keeping healthy boundaries between work and personal time?

Here’s the difference: Healthy boundaries involves taking control of your workload and prioritizing self-care. But quiet quitting is passive and usually unconscious behaviour, which can leave you disconnected from your work. This will lead to resentment and burnout, and eventually, even the bare minimum will seem like an effort (Yikes!)

A lot of us knowingly (or even unknowingly!) resort to quiet quitting for a multitude of reasons. Some of these might be familiar to you 😏

• Feeling undervalued
• Overworked
• Poorly compensated
• No support from peers and/or superiors
• Lack of boundaries

As expected, employees who feel disappointed, demotivated, and left without a solution will slowly start showing signs of pulling back. Quiet quitting can also be viewed as a coping mechanism used by those of us who were formerly high performers at work but are now NOT getting what we expect from our employers.

If you feel like you may be guilty of quiet quitting, you shouldn’t feel bad, sorry, or ashamed. Your reasons for being in this situation are completely valid and the good news is, all is not lost. You CAN turn things around for yourself.

Here’s how:

6 ways to AVOID quiet quitting

1. Embrace your inner Karen: speak to your manager

Instead of suffering in silence and secretly resenting your employer, have an open conversation with your superior about your expectations. You’ll be surprised to discover that your boss probably had no clue you felt this way. Let them know how you feel and discuss ways you can come to a compromise where both your expectations are met. In short, if you scratch their back, they’ll scratch yours!

2. Say it with me: “Boundaries work BOTH ways”

It’s perfectly acceptable for you to want to draw lines between your work and personal life. In fact, in this day and age, it’s EXPECTED. But drawing lines should mean you put your best foot forward during work too, not just when at play. When you give your best at work, the sense of accomplishment you get will keep you motivated, you will become more productive and your positive presence will be valued by not just your superiors, but your co-workers too!

3. Level up and FLEX those skills

If you’re constantly demotivated and feel like you’re stuck in a rut at work, upskilling yourself is a great way to combat it. By picking up a new skill or learning something new, you will gain a fresh perspective, and this will help you get inspired and stay motivated!

4. Bye KPIs – hello sun, sand and blue skies!

Taking time off work helps you to rest, relax and focus on things that make you happy. Once you’ve cleared your mind, you’ll return to work refreshed, re-energised, and raring to go! The change of scene also helps open your mind up to new ideas.

If you still need more convincing to go on a vacation, here’s one with scientific backing: A study by America’s International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans found that employees who went on holidays were able to sleep better, were in a better mood and these effects were felt even up to a month after their break!

5. Grab your bestie and spill the tea!

When you’re quiet quitting, everything related to your work can start to seem depressing and bleak. Relieve your anxieties by voicing out your feelings to a close friend or family member. According to the American Psychology Association, extensive research has shown that confiding in someone you trust is profoundly healing. It helps to reduce stress, strengthens your immune system, and reduces physical and emotional distress!

6. Know when it’s time for ‘Goodbye’

While the first few tips can help get you out of that quiet quitting rut, you’ll have to do some serious soul-searching and think about whether it’s because this job simply isn’t for you. Do your values and interests align with the job? Does it help your career goals or is it just a dead end? Nobody wants to be a quitter, but you should re-evaluate where you are and where you want to be.

Ready to take the plunge? Make your first move by applying at Jobstreet

Just like any journey, this won’t be without obstacles, but believe in yourself and you’ll be able to do anything you set your mind to! Good luck!

If you need career advice or want to learn the ins and outs of the job market, visit JobStreet’s Career Advice page here. Check out insights, career tools and expert advice as you explore career options that match your interests and skills.