You’ve probably heard the term "quiet quitting" being bandied about on social media. But how clear are you as to what it actually alludes to? Let’s fill in the gaps.
Quiet quitting defined
Quiet quitting is the concept of quietly withdrawing from work. Also sometimes referred to a “burnout”, in its essence, it’s a state of mind whereby a person no longer feels any desire to devote themself to work. They start and stop work according to what’s prescribed in the job description and no more. They don’t feel they have to be enthusiastic about or devoted to the job.
It’s been gaining more widespread attention in social media spheres of late. Those in such a mood pay more mind to their personal quality of life. They no longer feel that working hard is what life’s all about.
What causes quiet quitting?
Although quiet quitting is trending, it’s nothing new. Assoc Prof Anthony Klotz, Lecturer at the School of Management, University College London (UCL), maintains it’s been around for decades under other labels such as “no commitment to work and the organization”. The talk went viral during the Covid-19 outbreak, as mental health issues came to the fore.
Basically, the quiet quitting syndrome emerges when employees become unhappy in their work but can’t quit for whatever reason which can include:
· Skills of some groups of employees aren’t transferable to co-workers, leaving them to bear the burden alone.
· The flexibility and benefits offered by the company can’t be found elsewhere.
· Living in a small community that lacks alternative opportunities.
· Economic conditions that make resigning from a job risky.
· Working beyond the job description to the point of stirring up stress.
Types of quiet quitter
There are two types of quiet quitters:
· The Passive Quiet Quitter
They only do the minimum duties and barely participate in other activities. They go along with things verbally but resist participating in improving anything.
· The Passive Active Quiet Quitter
They’re clear that they no longer want to do the work and look for ways to change their job to suit them. They continue to do their duties but will quickly quit the moment they find a new opening.
Six quiet quitter signs
1. Feeling apathetic about work.
2. Only doing the minimum work specified in the job description.
3. Not joining with co-workers.
4. Withdrawing from work relationships and avoiding non-essential activities.
5. Attending meetings but rarely giving input or making any commitment.
6. Complaining about increased workload.
How can quiet quitting be treated?
· Supervisors should pay attention and try to understand
Quiet quitters may be facing personal problems that affect them at work. Listening opens the door to respect and care, leading to a good atmosphere at work which generates solutions to problems.
· Being open to feedback
An anonymous questionnaire or face-to-face chat about what’s causing the problem can help a lot.
· Creating a safe space for all the team
Good leaders make space for the team to work and communicate honestly, so that performance is enhanced.
· Watching out for potential polarization
Internal work politics can be another factor pushing a person to burnout and feeling the urge to withdraw from work, even if it’s a job they love.
· Putting the team’s mental health first
Happy workers produce. So, if someone in the team is signaling that they’re unhappy or seem to be experiencing mental health issues, the leader should reach out and try to help.
Work consumes three-quarters of our waking hours. Being happy at work is something everyone wants. Sometimes problems turn us into quiet quitters but being aware of our mental state as well as that of our co-workers lays a positive foundation.
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References
· Psychology Today
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/optimized/202211/quietly-quitting
· Forbes
https://bit.ly/3IIKbej
· Workpoint Today
https://workpointtoday.com/what-is-quiet-firing/