quiet quitting
quiet quitting (metaphor)
/ˈkwaɪ.ət ˈkwɪtɪŋ/
Meaning
- Quiet quitting refers to employees fulfilling only the minimum requirements of their job without putting in additional time or effort, often as a response to burnout or a desire for better work-life balance.
- It describes a situation where workers set firm boundaries by performing their assigned duties during defined work hours and declining extra responsibilities, aiming to prevent professional tasks from encroaching on personal time.
- This term encapsulates the act of employees disengaging from their roles over an extended period before eventually leaving their positions, characterized by reduced communication and a lack of enthusiasm for the job
- Quiet quitting also denotes a subtle form of resignation where an employee remains in their position but withdraws from any activities beyond their core duties, reflecting a disengagement from the workplace culture.
Example Sentences
- Many employees resort to quiet quitting when they feel undervalued at work.
- Instead of resigning, she opted for quiet quitting to maintain her mental well-being.
- The manager noticed a rise in quiet quitting after enforcing unrealistic deadlines.
- Some argue that quiet quitting is just a way of setting healthy work boundaries.
- His lack of enthusiasm and effort signaled a clear case of quiet quitting.
- Companies are now addressing burnout to prevent quiet quitting among staff.
Origin and History
The term “quiet quitting” has recently gained significant attention, symbolizing a shift in workplace dynamics where employees choose to meet only the basic requirements of their roles without engaging in additional tasks or overtime. This article delves into the various theories and beliefs surrounding the origin of this term, tracing its evolution and the cultural contexts that have influenced its emergence.
Early Usage and Coinage
The phrase “quiet quitting” first appeared in the public lexicon in March 2022. Career coach and former corporate recruiter Bryan Creely is credited with introducing the term in a TikTok video dated March 4, 2022. In this video, Creely discussed the concept of employees doing the minimum required to maintain their positions without resigning, a response to an article about workers “coasting” in their jobs. This initial usage sparked widespread discussion and led to the term’s viral spread on social media platforms, particularly TikTok.
Viral Spread Through Social Media
Following Creely’s introduction, the concept of “quiet quitting” gained momentum through various social media channels. In July 2022, Zaid Khan, a young engineer, posted a TikTok video elaborating on the idea, which resonated with many viewers and contributed to the term’s widespread adoption.
Cultural Parallels: The ‘Lying Flat’ Movement
While “quiet quitting” emerged in the Western context, parallels have been drawn to the Chinese movement known as “tang ping,” or “lying flat.” This movement, which gained prominence in April 2021, advocates for a minimalist lifestyle and rejecting societal pressures to overwork. Participants choose to “lie down flat and get over the beatings” by adopting a low-desire life, emphasizing psychological health over economic materialism. The similarities between “lying flat” and “quiet quitting” suggest a global reevaluation of work-life balance and personal fulfillment.
Historical Antecedents: ‘Work-to-Rule’ Practices
The principles underlying “quiet quitting” are not entirely new. Historically, labor movements have employed “work-to-rule” strategies, where employees adhere strictly to job descriptions and regulations, performing no more than the required duties. This form of protest highlights dissatisfaction with working conditions without resorting to strikes or resignations. The “quiet quitting” phenomenon mirrors this approach, reflecting a passive resistance to the culture of overwork.
Variants
- quietly quitting
- silent quitting
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