Quiet Quitting

What is Quiet Quitting?

Quiet quitting refers to employees who just meet their basic job requirements without going above and beyond their assigned duties. They report to the office every day like every other employee, complete their assigned tasks, and clock out. Nothing more or nothing less. In other words, they have drawn boundaries around their work responsibilities and stick to them religiously.

The term gained massive traction on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where younger professionals began sharing their experiences of scaling back workplace efforts. However, this phenomenon isn't entirely new; it mirrors what organisational psychologists have long called "disengagement" or "presenteeism."

Why Do Employees Engage in Quiet Quitting?

Studies show that there are several factors that drive this workplace behaviour. Burnout tops the list, especially after employees have stretched themselves thin during demanding periods. When their extra efforts go unrecognised or unrewarded, it is quite casual for employees to feel undervalued. Poor work-life balance also pushes people toward quiet quitting, as they seek to reclaim personal time and mental space.

When there are unclear career advancement paths, employees may find themselves left questioning whether their additional effort will pay off. They don’t really see how their extra work is going to translate into promotions or raises. Consequently, they pull back their efforts.

How Can HR Identify Quiet Quitting?

Warning signs include:

• Decreased participation in voluntary projects or committees
• Minimal contribution during team meetings
• Strict adherence to working hours without flexibility
• Reduced collaboration with colleagues
• Meeting deadlines but showing no initiative for improvement

What Strategies Can Address This Issue?

HR professionals should focus on employee engagement initiatives that rebuild connection and motivation. Regular check-ins help managers understand individual concerns before they escalate. Career development programs show workers clear pathways for growth, while recognition systems acknowledge contributions beyond basic expectations.

Workload management becomes crucial—ensuring realistic expectations prevents overwhelming capable employees. Flexible work arrangements can also help restore work-life balance, addressing one root cause of quiet quitting.

The key lies in creating an environment where employees feel valued, heard, and supported in their professional journey.