Summary
You may have heard the term “quiet quitting”, a practice that has become well-known in the UK through popular TikTok videos and subsequent media publications. This blog takes a closer look at the phenomenon and aims to give employers an overview of the term and what steps can be taken to understand and perhaps counter it.
What is “quiet quitting” and how prevalent is it?
Put simply, quiet quitting is carrying out the minimum requirements of one’s job and contributing little or nothing beyond it. The term “quitting” is potentially confusing as the aim is not to quit, but to continue in employment whilst doing the absolute minimum. The first recorded use in the UK of the term quiet quitting was reportedly in March 2022, and it has subsequently gained in traction across both written and social media.
The term has not been given entirely negative connotations. It has been picked up by well-being influencers and brands who promote the practice as a way to boost both mental and physical happiness. For example, it is often argued that by quiet quitting, an employee can devote more time to physical exercise and other non-work activities, improving their overall well-being.
In terms of prevalence, a recent study by Gallup showed that only 9% of workers in the UK were engaged or enthusiastic about their work, with the UK ranking 33 out of 38 European countries in this regard. This certainly reflects a fertile ground in the UK for quiet quitting, as employees are less likely...
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