One in four American workers is quiet quitting. This trend differs from the Great Resignation, where millions of employees quit their jobs outright. Instead, quiet quitting is about workers doing the bare minimum at work instead of being an overachiever. Quiet quitters disengage from their job, with a don’t care attitude, and 5% say they end up doing less than even the required amount of work from their employers. Why is this a bad thing? It’s certainly not abnormal when you consider only 35% of the American workforce is engaged in their jobs. This blog will help you understand why the trend of quiet quitting could damage your career.
Why Quiet Quitting Can Have Serious Consequences
What is Quiet Quitting?
Quiet quitting is the opposite of hustle culture. Quiet quitters do the minimum job requirements, putting in no more time or effort than the work requires. The employee doesn’t leave the job physically, but perhaps they leave in spirit as they disengage from the work and the company itself.
Quiet quitting emerged in tandem with the Great Resignation, where millions actually did leave their jobs. Far from being a myth, a recent Gallup survey suggests that up to one-half of the U.S. workforce are quiet quitters. These employees are not interested in staying late, moving up the corporate ladder, or coming in early. They don’t take work home and don’t attend non-mandatory meetings. They do the job—but that is it.
Why is this such a bad thing?
Why You Shouldn't Quiet Quit?
There are several reasons for not quiet-quitting your job:
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It can damage your reputation. Quiet quitting gives the impression that you are not reliable or professional. This reputation can follow you even into a new job.
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It can burn bridges with employers and coworkers, who may feel like they’re carrying more of a work burden when you slack off.
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It can be unethical. While this may be a matter of opinion, failing to engage in your work is a questionable best practice for any trusted employee.
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You won't learn anything new. Quiet quitters stay in their comfort zones and may suffer from underdeveloped skills. Motivated employees tackle new projects all the time.
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You won’t be viewed as a team player by your internal team, but that reputation may also follow you to other jobs.
Quiet quitting has employers in an uproar as dozens of articles have emerged on the concept. NPR talks about the pros and cons of the phenomenon, saying, “Supporters argue that quiet quitting is a way to safeguard your mental health, prioritize your family, friends and passions, and avoid burnout. But many movers and shakers are against it.” They quote Arianna Huffington, who says, “Quiet quitting isn’t just about quitting on a job, it’s a step toward quitting on life.” Kevin O’Leary says, “People who shut down their laptop at 5…they don’t work for me. I hope they work for my competitors.”
Looking for a New Career Opportunity That Works for You?
One alternative to quiet quitting is to find a more engaging job. People Plus works closely with top employers to help match workers with jobs that keep them engaged. Talk to our team today to find out how we can help find an environment where quiet quitting isn’t an option. We can help.