Signs of quiet quitting 

 

May 2023 
The trend towards quiet quitting is gaining momentum around the world and having a huge influence on the future of work. 

Quiet quitting is a term that went viral on TikTok last year. Despite the name, it doesn’t mean actually quitting your job, but rather doing the bare minimum to keep it, and putting in no more time, effort, or enthusiasm than absolutely necessary. In short, it refers to mentally checking out of work.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the quiet quitting phenomenon into the spotlight as it flipped the world of work upside down. The pandemic not only disrupted everyone's lives with restrictions and a lockdown on public gatherings; it also gave people time to think about their career choices and seek a better work-life balance, according to LinkedIn's Global Talent Trends 2022 report

 

Quiet quitters are still fulfilling their job duties; they’re just not subscribing to 'work is life' culture to guide their career and stand out to their superiors. They stick to what is in their job description, not going above or beyond, and set boundaries so when they go home, they leave work behind them and focus on non-work activities. 

Though you may not be ready to quit your job, you may have already started engaging in quiet quitting without even realising it. 

 

Some signs of quiet quitting include:

  • Not volunteering for extra projects, leadership roles or responsibilities
  • Not attending meetings
  • Not speaking up in meetings unless addressed directly
  • Turning down work outside of your job description
  • Arriving late to work or leaving early
  • Becoming isolated from the rest of your team and avoiding social events
  • Taking more sick days than usual

Some people interpret quiet quitting as mindful and a healthy, balanced choice, while others feel it's a slippery slope or having a negative impact on your career. When you find yourself quietly quitting, it’s important to know why you’re doing it. Do you need to take a break or do you need to find a new line of work because you’re unhappy?

 

If you are in need of motivation at work, think about taking some time off or negotiating your role to better suit your lifestyle. Sit down with your manager and discuss solutions, before disengaging from your role. Actively pushing for change could make you feel more engaged.

 

Quiet quitting, however, may also mean you are ready to change positions or consider your next move. If it’s in response to feeling undervalued, not having a healthy life-work balance or feeling there is no room to progress, quiet quitting might be the sign you need for a new job. 

 

If your heart is no longer in the role or the company, it’s worth considering if, rather than quietly quitting, you’d be better off quitting. Afterall, you want to leave with your reputation intact, and have the best reference to take with you.

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