In the age of the Great Resignation, you might be wondering, “What is quiet quitting?” Popularized on social media as the new way to strike back at uncaring employers, quiet quitting refers to slowly disengaging from one’s job.
This quick definition doesn’t do the term justice. Let’s take a closer look at quiet quitting and how it affects the modern workplace.
What Does Quiet Quitting Look Like?
Has a previously impressive employee devolved into an average drone? Do you have team members who seem less engaged at work? Quiet quitting often occurs over time, making the symptoms difficult to discern.
Signs of quiet quitters include:
- Employees perform only the bare minimum of their jobs.
- Quality and quantity of work have worsened or stagnated recently.
- High achievers seem lost, bored, or withdrawn.
- Workers express a negative view of their position or the company.
Why Do Employees Practice Quiet Quitting?
During the pandemic, many companies turned to remote work that allowed their employees more time with their families. Returning to pre-Covid conditions has pulled many workers back to the office, often at odds with employees’ wishes. Some workers see this mandate as a disregard for their home lives, so they turn to quiet quitting as a way to balance their home and work lives.
Other employees find more fulfillment with side jobs, starting their own businesses that slowly take precedence over their original career path. As more workers participate in hustle culture, employee engagement plummets, and business owners struggle with this new disinterest.
Unfortunately, some employers choose to battle quiet quitting in an unhealthy way.
Quiet Firing: Naming a Common Practice
Many employers engage in quiet firing without realizing it. During quiet firing, employers deny their workers certain benefits like pay raises, growth opportunities, and the ability to learn new skills. By stagnating the employee’s growth in the company, employers push their workers to quit without firing them.
When an employee begins quiet quitting, responding with quiet firing can irreparably damage your company’s image. Besides taking a toll on the employee’s mental health, quiet firing stresses your remaining team members and may inspire them to quit quietly or outright.
How to Prevent Quiet Quitting
Now that we’ve answered “What is quiet quitting,” let’s focus on how to prevent it. These subtle techniques express your appreciation for your team and promote a healthy work environment.
Respect Employee Downtime
Refrain from calling, texting, or emailing your workers if they have left work for the day.
Offer Incentives
Provide incentives like paid time off, tuition reimbursement, or bonuses based on performance.
Maintain Worker Autonomy
Employees dislike micromanagement and will respect you more if you allow them more control over their daily activities.
Listen to Suggestions
Your workers know your business in ways you may not, so consider their suggestions for improvements carefully.
Combat Quiet Quitting with Creative Executive Space
Even famous entrepreneur Tony Robbins recognizes that quiet quitting negatively affects our society. Instead of asking, “What is quiet quitting,” offer your employees a remote office filled with modern amenities. Call Creative Executive Space at (239) 357-0739 to learn more about renting office space in Fort Myers, FL.
