LinkedIn News Africa • Edited • 6 days ago
Some workers are quiet quitting – meaning they're fulfilling their job duties and meeting expectations, but not going above and beyond. The phrase can also be used to refer to workers who do the bare minimum of requirements, and are just there to collect a paycheck. Whichever definition applies, however, the debate has struck a chord, and everyone seems to have an opinion.
To some, it’s a rejection of "hustle culture" – the notion that people need to go above and beyond in their positions, and not only meet expectations, but exceed them. Some examples include volunteering for new programs, coming up with new projects, and working past the allotted 9-to-5.
To others, it's simply about doing the job they are being paid for, in the hours they are being paid to do it – in essence, they meet expectations, but do not exceed them. This may mean turning down unrelated projects, not answering work messages outside of working hours, or refusing to take on added responsibilities, uncompensated and unsupported.
Lastly, it can also refer to total disengagement – where people do the absolute bare minimum to avoid getting fired.
The viral TikTok video about the trend summed it up this way: "You're not outright quitting your job, but you're quitting the idea of going above and beyond. You're still performing your duties but you’re no longer subscribing to the hustle culture mentality where work has to be your life."
Quiet quitting has since gained momentum as a response to the burnout many workers felt during the pandemic, and because they're seeking work-life balance as a result. They in turn are prioritising their personal lives and relationships over their jobs.
And there's nothing wrong with that, experts say. Studies have shown that overwork leads to burnout, so setting boundaries at work could be essential to wellbeing.
What do you think about quiet quitting? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts in the comments.
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Sources:
LinkedIn: http://ow.ly/Yob950KArJI
Bloomberg: https://lnkd.in/e4WPjMaa
RTE: https://lnkd.in/eY6Wbu2i
FT: https://lnkd.in/ehZFaQYt
CNN: https://lnkd.in/g3edRKJ3