Quiet quitting refers to the situation where employees continue working but emotionally and mentally detach from their jobs. Although these employees are physically present at the workplace, they only exert enough effort to fulfill their basic responsibilities. They don't take on extra tasks, work overtime, and generally do not feel an emotional connection to their work. Quiet quitting does not mean quitting the job; rather, employees stick to doing the minimum required without putting in any extra effort.

History

The term "quiet quitting" gained widespread attention, especially from 2022 onward. During this time, it became popular through videos shared on social media platforms like TikTok, particularly among younger workers. Many employees, due to long working hours and job stress, began to engage in this kind of "psychological withdrawal." Quiet quitting refers to employees emotionally distancing themselves from their jobs rather than leaving them in the traditional sense.

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Why is it Used?

The term "quiet quitting" expresses the emotional detachment of employees from their workplaces and the weakening of their commitment to their jobs. It implies that employees reduce their contributions to the bare minimum required. Quiet quitting often arises as a response to long-term burnout, lack of recognition, and increased workload.

Furthermore, quiet quitting not only leads to lower performance but also diminishes employees' motivation. Due to a lack of motivation, employees perform only the minimum required tasks. This behavior can be seen as a defense mechanism against dissatisfaction caused by various negative factors at the workplace.

Causes of Quiet Quitting

There are several reasons that can trigger quiet quitting. These include:

• Burnout: Employees may experience burnout after working at a high pace for extended periods. In such cases, starting to perform only mandatory tasks can be a coping strategy.
• Lack of Career Advancement Opportunities: Employees may lose interest and commitment to their jobs when there are no opportunities for career growth. This can trigger quiet quitting.
• Low Salary and Insufficient Rewards: When employees believe their salary is disproportionate to the work they do, their attachment to their jobs weakens, and they may settle for minimal effort.
• Negative Workplace Culture: A toxic work environment or management style can push employees away from their jobs. Employees may turn to quiet quitting if they feel unappreciated or undervalued.
• Work-Life Imbalance: Excessive overtime and high job demands can weaken employees' emotional attachment to their work and cause them to neglect their personal lives.

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Impact of Quiet Quitting on Businesses

Quiet quitting typically leads to negative consequences for businesses. As employees only put in the minimum effort, it can affect overall company productivity. Some potential impacts of quiet quitting include:

• Decreased Productivity: Quiet quitting can result in employees becoming less motivated, leading to a decline in workplace productivity.
• Decreased Morale: When employees' commitment to their work weakens, it can negatively affect team spirit and create morale problems across the workforce.
• High Employee Turnover: Over time, quiet quitting can cause employees to leave their jobs. They may seek other opportunities to alleviate their dissatisfaction with the workplace.

How to Recognize Quiet Quitting

Managers and HR professionals can recognize quiet quitting through several noticeable signs, including:

• Decreased Performance: Employees may stop working with the same enthusiasm and their performance may decline.
• Lack of Engagement: Employees may participate less in meetings or contribute less to projects.
• Social Isolation: Employees may avoid social activities or group work at the workplace.
• Increased Employee Absenteeism: Employees may start leaving work early or taking longer breaks.

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Coping with Quiet Quitting

Businesses can implement the following strategies to cope with quiet quitting:

• Open Communication: It is important to have regular meetings with employees to listen to their workplace dissatisfaction and concerns. When employees feel heard, they may become more motivated.
• Recognition and Rewarding: Employee achievements should be regularly recognized. A good reward system can help employees feel more connected to their work.
• Career Development: Providing training and development opportunities can help employees show more interest in their jobs.
• Work-Life Balance: Providing flexibility at work and limiting overtime can help employees achieve a balance between their work and personal lives.

Quiet quitting is a situation where employees' emotional attachment to their work weakens, and they only put in the minimum effort. Burnout, lack of recognition, and negative working conditions are the main triggers of quiet quitting. To deal with quiet quitting, businesses need to listen to their employees, strengthen their reward systems, and improve the work environment.