QUIET QUITTING
Sarah Corcoran
Blog Writer
Have you heard of quiet quitting? Quiet quitting is a new term used to describe a period when an employee stops going above and beyond, instead doing only what their job description requires of them during their scheduled work hours. It’s a mentality in the wake of a global pandemic which caused employees to reimagine how they work, considering the potential of remote work, working less and in some cases, not working at all.
Why is Quiet Quitting Happening?
- Remote work has caused severe burnout in the workforce. Teams or Zoom fatigue has led to unnecessary pressure on employees to always be online, even during break times. Workers are staying late and skipping meals to meet higher standards and steeper expectations and are not being fairly compensated for the additional work.
- Quiet Quitting could be a sign that an employee is not happy in their position and may need to move within the company or leave to find a better fit for them. It’s a way for employees to deal with burnout, a sign that they need a rest. They may be ready to change positions or could already be looking for a new job.
- One of the top concerns of Millennials & Gen Z is equal and fair pay meaning many employers cannot compete with their high expectations. Younger generations also prioritise a better work-life balance, favouring their free time and well-being above all else.
What are the impacts?
- Low engagement also means high turnover. Hiring new staff is a costly and time-consuming task that can often be thankless if the incoming employee feels as disengaged as their predecessor.
- Disengaged employees also lead to low productivity, a dangerous territory especially for already struggling businesses.
- Employee dissatisfaction and low employee morale causes tension between the employee and management leading to decreased job security. It can also cause a rift between the employee and their colleagues who may have to pick up the slack.
How Can We Discourage it?
- Quiet quitting can be a learning curve for management. Creating an open, honest work environment allows employees to feel comfortable voicing their concerns earlier avoiding burnout and slowdown of productivity.
- Employers should ask themselves what has caused this change? How can the employee experience be improved? Is this a workforce problem or an individual problem? Take the time to listen to your team and try to get to the root of the issue before it spreads.
- Employers need to allow their teams to feel important in the company and have a role in the business trajectory. Appreciated employees work harder. Rewards might come in the form of increased remuneration, a more flexible workplace or as simple as a team appreciation day at the end of a project or deadline.
Businesses can take steps to prevent and reverse quiet quitting, but these measures will look different depending on the workplace. Offering hybrid working gives employees back control of their working life and free time, rebalancing their work-life balance. No matter what hybrid working looks like for you, Premier Business Centres has a solution for your business. Contact us today for workplace solutions, serviced offices, virtual phone answering services and more.
