Quiet quitting: what are the implications of this growing trend?
- September 14, 2022
Quiet quitting: what are the implications of this growing trend?
Since the pandemic, workplace culture has changed, causing a drastic shift in attitudes and mindset. No one wants to suffer from burnout. Instead, employees are focussing on how to achieve better work-life balance.
Quiet quitting is a growing trend that’s currently dominating social media. But, what does it actually mean?
What is “Quiet Quitting”?
Plot twist, it has nothing to do with actually quitting your job.
Quiet quitting is the phrase people are using in reference to doing only what the job demands and nothing more. It’s about quitting doing anything additional, outside of the main job requirements. Employees no longer want to go above and beyond for their employers if it means sacrificing their personal life and mental wellbeing, and rightly so!
However, if you’re considering jumping on this trend, there’s a few things to consider when it comes to the long term effects on your career.
What are the implications of Quiet Quitting?
We’re all in support of having a good work-life balance. No one wants to feel like they’re living to work, so we get the importance of creating boundaries to avoid work taking over your personal life.
But, we believe you can still achieve the right balance, whilst also being flexible and taking a proactive approach to your work. Here are some things you might want to consider, before quiet quitting.
If you want your employer to be flexible, then you need to be too
Flexible working is something that more and more employers are striving to achieve for their workforce. It can mean different things to different people, but essentially if you expect your company to offer flexibility when it comes to remote working, time off, alternative hours, and so on, then you should be prepared to be flexible back.
For example, if you need an extended lunch break one day, or you need to work from home the next, it’s worth being open to the idea that one day your employer might ask you to work outside of your usual hours. If there’s a tight deadline that needs to be met, or a pitch that needs some additional prep, it’s good to rise to the occasion.
We’re not saying you should continually be working additional hours, but if the odd thing comes up from time to time, then be flexible. Your employer is much more likely to offer the same flexibility in response.
Taking on additional tasks can help grow your skill set
Occasionally you may find that your boss has asked you to complete a task outside of your usual responsibilities. If your colleague is off sick or there’s an interim while you wait for a new team member to join, there will likely be a skills gap to fill. Although it may seem like it’s “not your job”, this is a great opportunity to learn something new and upskill, which is great for your future career.
Being proactive can act as leverage for a promotion
We’re not saying you have to work late everyday to be recognised but being proactive and helping your team with extra tasks could go a long way, and could even help you get that promotion or pay rise you’ve been seeking.
Overall, work-life balance is important and there is nothing wrong with setting boundaries to prevent workplace burnout. Although it has good intentions, the Quiet Quitting trend is slightly problematic. If you want to have a long and successful career, make sure you don’t completely give up on trying in your job. You will reap the rewards in the long run.
Ultimately, if you’re considering quiet quitting due to suffering from burnt out then it’s probably time to move on. Get in contact today and we’ll help you find a new job opportunity.