meaning of quiet quitting

The act of doing the minimum amount of work required to keep a job, without putting in extra effort, enthusiasm, or going beyond assigned duties. It involves fulfilling primary responsibilities but intentionally avoiding additional tasks or 'citizenship behaviors' like staying late or attending non-mandatory meetings, often as a response to burnout, lack of recognition, or poor work-life balance.

After years of unpaid overtime and feeling unappreciated, Sarah started quiet quitting, only doing what was strictly necessary.

The company's low employee engagement scores were attributed, in part, to widespread quiet quitting among its staff.

Synonyms: disengagement, coasting, work-to-rule, doing the bare minimum

Antonyms: over-performing, going above and beyond, proactive engagement, hustle culture

Etymology: A term that gained significant traction and widespread usage in mid-2022, largely popularized through social media platforms like TikTok. It reflects a growing sentiment among employees to set boundaries and prioritize personal well-being over career advancement in the face of perceived workplace exploitation or lack of reward.

Cultural Notes: Quiet quitting emerged as a notable cultural phenomenon post-pandemic, reflecting a shift in employee attitudes towards work. It is often seen as a rejection of 'hustle culture' and a demand for better work-life balance, mental well-being, and fair compensation. While some view it as a form of passive resistance or disengagement, others see it as a healthy boundary-setting practice. It highlights a disconnect between employee expectations and employer practices, particularly concerning recognition, growth opportunities, and toxic work environments.

Word Frequency: common

Category: business

Language: English

Pronunciation: ˈkwaɪət ˈkwɪtɪŋ