Quiet quitting is about finding the right balance between personal and work boundaries. Forbes shares the following insight: Quiet quitting is also known as “acting out your wages” and ensures your professional life remains within the bounds set by working hours and assigned tasks.
Quitting quietly is not the same as quitting your work. Quiet quitting is defined as working without letting your job take over your life.
In a tweet from March 2022, the term “quiet quitting” was first used. The idea has since gained popularity amongst workers as an alternative to quitting.
This movement has been adopted by employees to establish work boundaries, prioritise their interests outside of the workplace, and maintain better work-life harmony.
Quitting quietly is one way workers can regain control over their lives, and prevent burnout or stress. There are many ways to do it, but the main goal is to take action and make a difference.
You could make small adjustments to your day that will help you complete it faster. For example, you can set boundaries on how long you work, take breaks, or leave the office, or turn off your computer or phone at a certain time.
Talking to your manager and suggesting changes that could benefit the workplace can be part of a quiet resignation.
If you are considering quitting quietly, there are many resources and therapy options available to help you find balance in your work.
Are you experiencing job burnout or something else?
HOW DOES QUIET QUITTING RELATE TO MENTAL HEALTH?
Quiet quitters are often viewed as being a reaction to stress and burnout. Quiet quitting can indicate mental issues but is not always the case.
We should always strive for a work/life equilibrium. This means ensuring that our job does not dominate our entire working day, while still being interested and present in our work. It is possible to remain engaged in your work and also have clear boundaries .”–Elena Touroni PhD
Quiet quitting is a way for workers to take back control and prevent further anxiety or stress in the workplace. Quiet quitting is a way to cope with overwhelming feelings and help you move forward.
Quitting quietly can help workers regain control of their lives and reduce stress. Quiet quitting can reduce anxiety temporarily, but it may not be the best solution for people with serious mental health problems.
Quitting quietly can be a self-sabotaging act if done without thinking about the consequences.
Remember that the quiet quit should only be considered as a final option after all other options have been exhausted.
Imagine you feel overwhelmed or stuck with your current situation. It may be helpful to contact a mental health professional or therapist who can help you manage stress and cope with it more effectively.
Quitting quietly can be an option for anyone who feels overwhelmed by their current position.
Workers must first consider the possible consequences on their mental health. Speak to a mental health professional or therapist who can explain why you are feeling the way you are in your current situation.
How do bad managers contribute to quiet quitting?
Consider this Harvard Business Review thought: Imagine you are a manager and you suspect that several employees are quitting quietly. The question you should ask is: Does this problem stem from my direct reports or my leadership skills?
Poor managers can significantly impact quiet quitting. Micromanaging, unrealistic expectations, a lack of communication, a lack of respect and trust, and an overall unfair treatment are all examples of poor management practices that can lead to burnout.
Workers may feel overwhelmed and unappreciated if they feel their efforts aren’t being appreciated. Quitting quietly can be a way to regain control and find a better working environment.
From Forbes, “Quiet quitting is a direct result of employees feeling “un-” in their positions–unappreciated, unsupported, under-compensated, unmotivated, or unimportant.”
Some bad managers can also create a fear-based environment, in which workers are afraid of speaking up or expressing themselves, due to the potential consequences. This can negatively affect employee morale, and contribute to silent quitting.
To reduce the likelihood that employees will quit quietly, employers need to create a supportive and open work environment which encourages communication, trust and respect.
Three behaviors that managers can adopt
- Create positivity – build common ground, do the extra, and establish trust between all direct reports.
- Show consistency – deliver on your promises and demonstrate that you care.
- Provide an open, honest discussion about the future and expectations.
TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT QUIET QUITTING?
Employers can create a better work environment to reduce the likelihood that quiet quitters.
They should first ensure that there is an atmosphere of open communication and support. It is important to create an atmosphere of respect, trust and appreciation between employees and managers.
Employers should also be alert to the signs of burnout, and support their employees who are suffering from stress or mental illnesses. Employers can reduce stress by offering flexible schedules, paid vacation, and wellness programs.
Employers must also be aware of the possible consequences of a quiet resignation. By creating conditions that reduce these risks, employers can encourage employees to remain loyal to their company.
Employers can improve the working environment by taking certain steps to reduce the risk of employee quitting quietly and to promote employee wellbeing.
How to find the right therapist and therapy today
STRATEGIES FOR EMPLOYEE QUIET QUITTING
After exploring all other options, quiet quitting is the best option. Quiet quitting has a major impact on your future career prospects and well-being. It should never be done without considering all other options.
There are many strategies workers can employ instead of quitting quietly.
To begin with it is advisable to talk to a trusted confidante or therapist . They can help you better understand your situation and identify possible solutions.
Quitting quietly can reduce stress and help you understand why it is the best option.
Second: Take care of yourself before and after quitting quietly. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, eat healthy food, meditate or practice mindfulness, and engage in activities that bring you joy and peace.
It is important to take care of yourself in order to manage stress and achieve the balance that you desire.
Lastly, a plan of exit may be helpful before quitting quietly. Research your options if your employer is not receptive of your change. Also, consider the potential consequences like financial hardships or loss of contacts. If you have a plan, it will help to ensure that your quiet resignation is not impulsive and done out of desperation but with thought.
Takeaways Managers and Businesses Can Use Today
- Quitting quietly is a serious issue that can have a significant impact on both employees and employers.
- Take steps to prevent quiet quitting in the workplace by understanding the reasons for it and reducing the chances of it happening.
- Reduce stress by creating a supportive and open working environment, with flexible schedules and paid vacation.
Takeaways for Employees who are considering Quiet Quitting
- Before considering quitting quietly, speak with a confidante you trust or a therapist.
- Consider the future prospects of your job and your overall well-being when creating a plan for exit.
- Speak with a therapist to find out what balance between work and life means to you.
Quitting quietly has serious implications for both employers and employees. It is not a topic to be taken lightly. Quiet quitting can be reduced with the right strategies and a healthier work environment can be created.
