You may have noticed the term 'quiet quitting' circulating on your social channels and across the media.
Here we look at the definition of the term and what it might mean for those who identify as quiet quitters.
What is quiet quitting?
While the concept may not be new, thanks to a slew of content on TikTok and Instagram, the term has come to refer to the practice of employees doing only what they are paid for.
Quiet quitters reject the idea of going above and beyond and, instead, stick rigidly to the requirements of their job as laid out in the description or contract.
For some, quiet quitting may include switching emails off outside of work hours, turning down duties that fall out with their job description or doing unpaid overtime.
The term seems to particularly resonate with Gen Z employees, with many feeling that quiet quitting is a healthy strategy for establishing a work-life balance and setting clear boundaries.
For others, quiet quitting is associated with avoiding burnout, and, in some cases, it may be considered a protest for performing unpaid duties.
What does quiet quitting mean for employees?
While many may view quiet quitting as a positive concept that allows employees to prioritise other aspects of their lives, for others, it suggests that staff are lacking motivation or feel undervalued in the workplace.
Studies by the Harvard Business Review suggest a correlation between management's effectiveness and the likelihood of quiet quitting among employees.
The study found that 14% of employees who reported to managers were rated as the 'least effective' were quiet quitters. This compares to only 3% of employees who reported to the managers that were rated the most effective.
This may suggest a relationship between the individual's motivation and the actions of managerial staff.
"Many of the employers we work with are now actively addressing the work-life balance of their employees to ensure that teams can get their work done without facing the prospect of burnout," says MM Search founding managing partner Ken Morrice.
"At MM Search, we understand that our teams have busy lives inside and outside the office, and we strive to create an environment that allows everyone to find a balance that works for them.
"We also invest significant time and effort into fostering a culture rooted in honest communication - by having regular, open dialogues between our teams and heads of department, everyone has the opportunity and the space to share how they feel within the workplace rather than becoming disengaged.
"We also believe in providing regular feedback that highlights the value of everyone's input and reinforces that our work is meaningful."
Let's discuss your needs
If you have decided that quiet quitting means that it might be time for a new challenge, we can help you to find an exciting role that is both challenging and rewarding.
From tech and energy to construction and property, the experienced MM Search team works with a wide range of sectors and is on hand to help you discover your next steps.
Contact us today to find out more about our unique people-first approach to executive search.
