Quiet Quitting: Good, bad or somewhere in between?

In the strictest sense, quiet quitting is a silent movement amongst workers to “quit” undertaking all the extra work that they’ve historically done in their job role and instead work only their contractual hours. Effectively, punching in and out on the dot.

In some areas this is being celebrated as a way for employees to maintain a healthy work / life balance and reject a return to the pre-pandemic culture of presenteeism. Why should we normalise people performing tasks outside of their job description, particularly when there is no additional pay or time off in lieu for doing so? 

Others have taken a very different view. There are, of course, upsides to properly applying yourself to your job and going above and beyond. Knowing you are contributing to the shared success of a business is rewarding as is the sense of self-satisfaction at the end of the day with a job well done. Many employers have also pointed out that going above and beyond is what moves people up the career ladder.

So why the focus on quiet quitting now? The aftermath of the pandemic certainly plays its part. Although sections of the UK workforce were furloughed during the pandemic, those that were not were often working long hours, juggling home-schooling and caring responsibilities. It was well documented that productivity during the pandemic years increased despite workers being asked to adapt to unprecedent times and juggle the various responsibilities that they had. All of this has resulted in 88% of UK employees experiencing burnout at some point over the past 2 years. Some may feel that businesses have not done enough to recognise their efforts and want to make their point through quiet quitting. 

Some organisations are also still working out what the “new normal” means for them and the various different types of “flexible working” being implemented by businesses is creating a muddled and confusing definition of the term. Many have seen the advantages that working from home can bring. All of this leaves employees unsure of what is expected of them at a point when their priorities have changed, and quiet quitting may be the only way they feel able to get their voice heard. 

So, is quiet quitting a phase or here to stay? Businesses are facing challenging times, with increases to energy costs, supply chain issues and a competitive recruitment market. An adaptable workforce will be key to organisations successfully navigating the difficult times ahead. Allowing employees to have an unfettered work / life balance just isn’t feasible. In addition, employees may become increasingly concerned over their job security. The rising cost of living has impacted everyone in different ways but with the World Economic Forum suggesting that 56% of Gen Z-ers are worrying more than ever about finances, global change and long-term security than any other age bracket. Time will tell whether such concerns override the desire for quiet quitting.