“Quiet quitting” first hit the internet in March 2022 when a Gen-X career coach and employment influencer named Brian Creely used the phrase when discussing an Insider article about employees “coasting” at work.
“Quiet quitting” is a term coined by Bryan Creely, a corporate recruiter turned into a coach. His phrase was released to TikTok and YouTube in 2022, but there's an earlier reference to the term by the economist Mark Boldger in 2009.
The term "quiet quitting" went viral last year, describing people who stay in their jobs but mentally take a step back -- for example, working the bare minimum and not making their job the center of their lives. Now in 2023, there is a new workplace trend on the horizon, called "quiet hiring."
Twenty-one percent of workers are 'quiet quitting,' choosing to put in only the bare minimum and just doing what they are paid to do.
Another related buzzword of 2023 is Bare Minimum Monday — or as Insider's Rebecca Knight and Tim Paradis wrote: "the TikTokian progeny of 'quiet quitting. '" While this involves doing just the minimum on Mondays, it's similar given quiet quitting includes not doing more than you are required to.
Quiet hiring
That's based on Gartner research, which considered it one of nine “Future of Work Trends for 2023.” Emily Rose McRae of Gartner's HR Practice said per reporting from GMA that quiet hiring is a workplace trend in 2023 in part because of a shortage in talent.
Quiet quitting refers to doing the minimum requirements of one's job and putting in no more time, effort, or enthusiasm than absolutely necessary. As such, it is something of a misnomer, since the worker doesn't actually leave their position and continues to collect a salary.
Quiet quitting then, is often used to cope with burnout. It has been defined in a couple of different ways — some describe it as not actively going above and beyond at work, while others see it as doing only the bare minimum to remain employed.
There is a truth behind the idea of “quiet quitting,” but the truth is that employers are quitting on workers. The evidence points in the direction of workers feeling increased pressure and working too much instead of too little. The Economic Policy Institute has argued that “quiet fleecing” would be a better term.
However, quiet quitting could be a sign that an employee is not happy in their position or is experiencing burnout. Quiet quitting is a way the employee deals with burnout to help alleviate stress. It may also mean they are ready to change positions or may be currently looking for another job.
The term "quiet quitting" went viral last year, describing people who stay in their jobs but mentally take a step back -- for example, working the bare minimum and not making their job the center of their lives. Now in 2023, there is a new workplace trend on the horizon, called "quiet hiring."
'Quiet Hiring' is the Opposite of Quiet Quitting, and Workers are Furious About It. Quiet hiring has always occurred during difficult economic times like recessions and hyper-inflationary periods.
The generation prioritises learning and professional development opportunities in their jobs. Aligned with the job satisfaction insights, Gen Zs also proved to be the generation most likely to quit their job if they are unhappy with their workplace, the report found.
Quiet Quitting may be an attempt by workers to regain control of their lives and avoid further stress or anxiety in their job. At its core, quiet quitting can act as a coping mechanism for those feeling overwhelmed and unable to move forward in their current work situation.
“From an office perspective, quiet quitting can cause conflicts between employees, as some employees will feel others aren't carrying their weight,” he added. “Overall, this can backfire on the employee and can also create a wave of inadequate and underdeveloped employees.”
Seen in this context, quiet quitting does not describe laziness so much as it does a refusal to be taken advantage of in an increasingly unequal economy.
Quiet quitting doesn't actually refer to quitting a job—it means completing one's minimum work requirements without going above and beyond or bringing work home after hours. Jeremy Salvucci.
The most effective way to address quiet quitting is to have an open and honest conversation with employees. You can take the “quiet” out of “quiet quitting,” by airing the issues out in the open. For the employee to feel comfortable enough to be honest, you should clarify that this talk is not a punishment.
Quiet quitting is passive-aggressively checking out. Quiet quitters will be the first to be let go when the labor market cools.
At its core, quiet quitting is a lack of engagement. This can come across in meetings by the quiet quitter not listening or contributing to the discussion, showing up late to meetings – or even not showing up at all.
In most situations, it's acceptable to be quiet in the workplace. Some people prefer being quiet at work, and many work teams are stronger when those with different tendencies and strengths work together.
Feeling burnt out or dissatisfied with work is leading people to "quiet quit" – a phenomenon that you've probably noticed making the news. If that's where you're at now, before you decide on your next step, it's important to work out why you're feeling this way about your job.
When your most passionate employees become quiet, it's a signal that something is out of alignment, and as the leader, this is something you must observe and act on immediately.