You may have heard the term “quiet quitting” floating around, but what does it actually mean? Contrary to how it sounds, quiet quitting isn’t about walking away from your job or slacking off. It’s about doing exactly what your job requires—no more, no less—as a way to protect your time, energy, and well-being.
For some, this boundary-setting is empowering. For others, it’s a sign of deeper disconnection from work. Understanding what quiet quitting is and how it might apply to you can be a powerful first step toward finding greater fulfilment in your professional life.
What Is Quiet Quitting?
At its core, quiet quitting reflects a rejection of hustle culture—the expectation to always go above and beyond, often at the expense of personal time and mental health. Instead, quiet quitters fulfil their job descriptions and then clock out physically and mentally, prioritising their lives outside of work.
While setting boundaries is healthy, quiet quitting can also signal dissatisfaction. Are you taking this approach to preserve your well-being, or is it a sign that you’ve disengaged from your work entirely? To answer that, let’s first explore why quiet quitting happens.
Why Does Quiet Quitting Happen?
Burnout and Overwork
Relentless demands, tight deadlines, and lack of recognition can leave employees drained and unmotivated. Quiet quitting often becomes a survival strategy to avoid full burnout.
The Pandemic’s Wake-Up Call
COVID-19 reshaped how we view work, making many people question the role of their job in their overall happiness and well-being. Flexibility and balance have become non-negotiables for many.
Lack of Purpose or Recognition
It’s disheartening to pour effort into work that feels unappreciated. Without acknowledgment or a sense of purpose, disengagement becomes an easy default.
Generational Values
Younger workers—Millennials and Gen Z—prioritise mental health, work-life balance, and meaningful work over traditional measures of success like climbing the corporate ladder. For them, quiet quitting is often about aligning their work with their values.
Are You Disengaged or Just Setting Boundaries?
It’s worth reflecting on your relationship with work to determine whether you’re healthily maintaining boundaries or quietly quitting out of discontent. Ask yourself:
- Do I feel a sense of purpose in what I do? If your work feels meaningless, you may be disconnecting emotionally.
- Am I still curious or engaged with tasks at work? Disengagement often shows up as boredom, procrastination, or going through the motions.
- Do I look forward to my day, even occasionally? If you dread every workday, it might be time to explore changes.
- Am I protecting my well-being or avoiding effort? Setting boundaries should feel empowering, not like an escape.
5 Steps to Reconnect with Fulfilment at Work
If you realise that quiet quitting is leaving you unfulfilled, you’re not stuck. Here are ways to rediscover meaning and engagement in your professional life:
- Reconnect with Your ValuesTake a moment to reflect on what matters most to you. Are creativity, collaboration, or making an impact important? Find ways to align these values with your role—or explore new opportunities that better match them.
- Set Healthy BoundariesBoundaries aren’t about doing less—they’re about working sustainably. For example, commit to finishing your day at a set time or protecting your lunch break as personal time. This structure can help you show up more fully during work hours.
- Communicate Your NeedsIf your disengagement stems from lack of recognition or opportunities, have an open conversation with your manager. Share your goals, ask for feedback, and propose changes that could re-energize your role.
- Focus on Growth OpportunitiesLearning new skills, tackling fresh challenges, or taking on a mentorship role can reignite your passion for work. Ask yourself: How can I grow here?
- Prioritise Well-Being Outside of WorkFulfilment at work is easier to achieve when you’re thriving in other areas of life. Build a routine that includes hobbies, exercise, social connections, and relaxation to support your mental and physical health.
What Employers Can Learn From Quiet Quitting
- For employers, the rise of quiet quitting is a wake-up call. It highlights the importance of fostering healthy, supportive workplaces where employees feel valued.Key Strategies for Employers:
- Listen Actively: Regular feedback and one-on-one check-ins help address disengagement early.
- Provide Recognition: Celebrate contributions and hard work with meaningful acknowledgment.
- Offer Flexibility: Flexible work arrangements support balance and reduce stress.
- Create Purpose: Help employees see how their roles contribute to a bigger picture.
Quiet quitting isn’t inherently good or bad. It’s a signal—an opportunity to evaluate your relationship with work. Whether you’re simply setting boundaries or grappling with deeper disengagement, use this as a chance to reflect, reset, and reconnect with what truly matters to you.
Finding fulfilment at work isn’t about doing more—it’s about aligning your efforts with your values and aspirations. Take the first step today by asking yourself: Am I thriving, or just surviving?